Free range hens put into a run permanently?

[ChickenKiera]

So this is what I’m worried about,
my family might get a few (i don’t know how many) free range hens from the man who has a field right next to where ours is. He can’t have them anymore because he is ill.
Would it be unfair for them to be free range and then kept in a run with other hens? However, the coop is pretty big but not as big as where they would walk around to when they are free ranging.
Would they be ok put into a run?

 

[nchls school]

It should be fine. Just be aware that putting new birds with an existing flock will cause bullying to occur until a new pecking order is established.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

As long as they have plenty of space and stuff to occupy them they should be fine in my opinion. I free range my chickens most of the time but I will keep them in their run for periods of time for various reasons and they're fine. Just make sure there is enough space in the enclosed run that it doesn't cause them to start picking on each other. I also will throw lawn clippings, leaf piles, wood chips, things for them to dig through and occupy themselves especially since they're accustomed to scratching around an entire yard.

 

[Mrs. K]

Oh they hate change, and might complain, but stick to it, and the next time you let them out, they won't like that either.

I agree with the above, they will be fine.

 

[nchls school]

Be sure to check the new hens for health problems so your existing flock don't become ill from pathogens brought in by the new arrivals.

Depending on numbers of birds you may wish to quarantine the new chickens for a few weeks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Be sure to check the new hens for health problems so your existing flock don't become ill from pathogens brought in by the new arrivals.

Depending on numbers of birds you may wish to quarantine the new chickens for a few weeks.

Good point, though my guess is if this is a direct neighbor who has been free ranging, the flocks have probably already picked up some pathogens from one another so quarantine may be a moot point.