Free range or no

[Adrienne-m]

Hey all! My chickens keep escaping their fenced area (which is big with plenty of things to eat and play with). They want to go to the garden and roam the woods. I had planned to free range but was hesitant with my dogs. However, as determined as they have become I’m starting to think I should just let them out to range. My question is, how far do they usually roam? We have some really thick woods not too far from them and I’m afraid they’d get lost or stuck. Thanks!!

 

[PioneerChicks]

I don't know how far the average chicken roams, but I don't think they'll get lost. If you do let them out, the chickens will start exploring slow and easy, getting to know one area before moving onto the next. At least, that's been my experience. Good luck!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hey all! My chickens keep escaping their fenced area (which is big with plenty of things to eat and play with). They want to go to the garden and roam the woods. I had planned to free range but was hesitant with my dogs. However, as determined as they have become I’m starting to think I should just let them out to range. My question is, how far do they usually roam? We have some really thick woods not too far from them and I’m afraid they’d get lost or stuck. Thanks!!

My free range in the woods and love it. When it's hot outside, if you didn't see my coop you wouldn't even know I have chickens because they are all in the woods. When evening comes and the weather cools, they come back out of their cool hiding places. Just be realistic. If you free range you WILL lose a bird to predators. I free ranged for 2.5 years before losing a sweet hen to a coyote in broad daylight.

 

[Vickischics]

I understand your concern regarding free ranging. My pullets are 8 mos old. They are familiar with their coop.
They also have a very large run with things to do but some, will manage to get out leaving the others behind. So, this is what I do.
I let them out to free range on our 3 areas every afternoon. Some areas are also heavily wooded.
I have buckets of water in various areas for them because chickens don't always know to seek out water when they are thirsty. Plus, they don't know to come back to the coop to take a drink. The buckets have f4esh or just rain water in them.
I also put a small amt of scratch outside the coop.
They come back to lay an egg if one hasn't already. They come back everyday around dinner time to get ready to roost.
Sometimes, I don't see them outside either. When I'm home, I'll go out and call them and rattle some food in a can and they come running!!
I do this to keep them trained and to check on them.
I believe they are better out together then a random free spirit out on her own.
I had to cut my umbilical line to them and let them be chickens and forage to eat bugs.
Hope this helps ya.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I understand your concern regarding free ranging. My pullets are 8 mos old. They are familiar with their coop.
They also have a very large run with things to do but some, will manage to get out leaving the others behind. So, this is what I do.
I let them out to free range on our 3 areas every afternoon. Some areas are also heavily wooded.
I have buckets of water in various areas for them because chickens don't always know to seek out water when they are thirsty. Plus, they don't know to come back to the coop to take a drink. The buckets have f4esh or just rain water in them.
I also put a small amt of scratch outside the coop.
They come back to lay an egg if one hasn't already. They come back everyday around dinner time to get ready to roost.
Sometimes, I don't see them outside either. When I'm home, I'll go out and call them and rattle some food in a can and they come running!!
I do this to keep them trained and to check on them.
I believe they are better out together then a random free spirit out on her own.
I had to cut my umbilical line to them and let them be chickens and forage to eat bugs.
Hope this helps ya.

Yes, I call them for a headcount as often as I can! It does a lot to put me at ease.

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, I call them for a headcount as often as I can! It does a lot to put me at ease.

Yes, it does. Aa time passes, you will begin to feel better. I love it when they run their fluffy butts back to me!! I always laugh.
The first one that gets back to me gets a worm or special treat!!! Lol
It's fun to watch.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Yes, it does. Aa time passes, you will begin to feel better. I love it when they run their fluffy butts back to me!! I always laugh.
The first one that gets back to me gets a worm or special treat!!! Lol
It's fun to watch.

Unfortunately I've had a bear visiting my yard nightly and two weeks ago a coyote took a one of my hens so I don't think "at ease" will happen anymore. I've decided to enclose them permanently, at least when I am not home but it takes time and money to build a run (and a new coop as I need that too).

 

[Mrs. K]

Mine are out now, and you can loose some of them. And once they find you, those predators come back for easy pickings. These are some of my rules:

• Not the same time every day. Some days late after noon, some days morning, some days not at all.
• When you get hit, lock down 24/7 for several weeks.
• Do not let them out on high wind days, or deep cloudy days, gives advantage to the predator, they can't hear them or see their shadow on the ground.

Good luck

Mrs K