Free Range Question

[schmoo]

For those of you that are able to free range, how much land do you have? Do the chickens pretty much stay together? Does traffic spook them?

I am definetly considering it. They are babies now, but just thinking about the future. We have 3 acres but we are on a busy 55 MPH road. I wouldn't think they wouldn't go near it (but what do I know) thats what I'm asking LOL

Their coop will be in the very back part of the yard inside the barn, and I will have to be outside if I let them roam, because sometimes the neighbors dog gets loose. (I already know THATS going to be an issue)

Oh I also have 26 chickens so far.......is that alot to keep an eye on while I'm out there?

 

[lostinthewoods]

I let my chickens out when I'm outside and it doesn't seem to be a problem, however I own 40 acres on a road that on a busy day has 5 cars go by. The girls really don't go by the road, just stick to the back yard and into the woods a little. We do have 3 dogs and plenty of neighborhood dogs around as well, so, I just make sure that I'm around and watching when they're outside.

 

[Mulemom]

I see chickens on the side of the hwy all the time. I used to tease my daughter about getting out and grabbing them, so we didn't have to buy them. Every once in a while I do see a squished one, but mostly they seem to stay out of the way. My hens will have more issues with hawks and coyotes then traffic, but i guess there's different kinds of danger lurking in different environments.

 

[Critter Crazy]

My Birds free range, and I have 13 acres. They spend most of their time in the front yard, and the woods. they do Occasionally cross the road, but seem to be pretty road smart. They like crossing the road, cause there is nothing but woods and fields over there.I Live on a country back road, so dont have much traffic, but there are days where it is busy. My birds free range all day long, even without me being home. But I am a Stay at home mom, and am never gone for long.

One morning I was walking through my living room, and out the window noticed a car stopped in the road, so I looked, and noticed a car going the other direction stopped as well. Confused, I opened the front door, and just started laughing. My birds were crossing the road single file, and the cars were waiting. The people in the cars were laughing!

I am thinking about getting a "Chicken Crossing" Sign!

 

[bayouchica]

Hi there, I think you should be okay if you're able to keep an eye on them. I live on a private road so not much traffic,but maybe you can keep a treat handy or make a special sound if there is danger around. Hope that made sense.
I have 60 plus chickens now, so I think your 26 you'll do fine.

Miriam

 

[Gracefulspice]

I have 6 hens that free range 1/2 the day. once I get home from work they are allowed out in the yard.

We have 1 3/4 acre and surrounded by approx 500 acres of farm land. We live on a No Outlit road so we see only the neighbors cars and a lost soul that can't read once in a while.

My girls have gone out onto the road but I just heard them back onto the lawn.

: Only had to do that 2x. We do have a chicken crossing sign, it's pretty small but noticeable. I am out there with them most the time and if I'm not my husband is...like right now...

. Our biggest problem is keeping them off the patio. Seems like every time they need to potty they like my patio the best.

 

[schmoo]

Thanks to everybody for your replies! I guess I'll just have to try it and see........

I think they will love being able to run around a bit!

 

[silkiechicken]

I live on 7 acres, and the chickens can access all of i but most is hard to get to because of dense underbush. One side of this 7 acres is bordered by highway 99 but the birds don't go there.

 

[millicent]

we live very far off the road, so that is not a problem for us (although the patio is...we have given up on keeping them off) they roam free (we have 70 acres), pretty much sticking together and relatively close to the house. They seem to love it

 

[bantymum]

My girls and boy freerange all day long but I have a fence surrounding the large backyard.
The loose dogs out in the street are a problem but thankfully they cant get in .
I say watch your neighbour's dog as even though you may be there watching them, if he strolls by and sees one, nothing short of a bullet will stop him grabbing one!!!
Good luck