Free range chickens at 14 weeks?

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Nealoutfitters

Nealoutfitters

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New member here! First time having a flock of chickens, found one a few days ago who turned out to be a roo(we named "her" Cluck Norris so we think we jinxed ourselves) having trouble figuring out what breed he is. We got a mix of americana, Rhode Island reds, barred rock and one white leghorn. Total of 8 but one died early on. The roo we have was all black as a pullet it's now black and white with green hints on its back. Not sure how to post a picture on here yet. Anyways, the reason for this post... My husband decided to let our flock free range tonight. They have never been outside their coop, I'm a little worried about just letting them free range. I've heard they will go back in the coop at dusk and roost? Any advice would be appreciated, I've raised these girls pretty much by myself so I've grown attached and I'm uneasy since it's getting late :/
 
If you lock the birds in the coop for a couple of days (with food and water) they will imprint on that as their home. When you let them out they will return at dusk and put themselves to bed. You just have to lock the coop door.

They may not know where the coop is, and may roost in trees, which will make them sitting ducks for owls & raccoons. Birds generally will not move in the dark. So if you see and can reach them - pull the down and put them in the coop on the roost

When you free range you have to accept that some will fall victim to predators and not return home. If the losses are too high, then they should only be outside in an enclosed, covered run.

Please update if/when they return to the coop. I am anxious for their safe return myself.
 
Thanks, they didn't go very far. I've noticed some droppings that are not my dogs on our porch so there is definitely something coming around at night... Luckily the flock came back to the coop right around 915pm and we always lock the door so nothing can get to them. I liked that they were able to get out and explore a little, so we might let them free range for a few hours before dusk a few times a week
 
Welcome to BYC!

Glad to hear your birds made their way back home last night.

x2 on @drumstick diva 's comments. There is always a risk with free ranging, a lot of predators enjoy chicken for dinner. It's up to each person to decide if they are ok with the risk. (Of course, you can lose birds when they are locked up in runs and coops too unfortunately.) If you haven't seen it already, you might want to take a look at the predator/pest section in the Learning Center for ideas on how to best protect your chickens:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock

Nice to have you join us, have fun with your new flock!
 

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