- Apr 23, 2009
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I have 15 free-ranging hens and 1 rooster. At least 2 have started to lay (we've had 5 eggs since Monday), and I'm not sure what to do with them either. We only found 1 egg ouside of the coop, but there could certainly be more with all of this space. I hate to keep them all locked up until they all start to lay--I feel really guilty too! There's no grass in their run, and they have several favorite spots around the yard where they like to hang out. I think I'll just keep letting them free-range, and deal with training them to use the nest boxes if I have too. I've been leaving them in longer in the morning (I haven't been out yet today), but I know one hen lays in the afternoon so far.
As for straying farther from the coop, they definitely go farther and farther. My chickens can get under our fence where there is a creek bed, and regularly go over to the neighbor's yard. Fortunately, they love to see my chickens and hear the rooster crow!
As for straying farther from the coop, they definitely go farther and farther. My chickens can get under our fence where there is a creek bed, and regularly go over to the neighbor's yard. Fortunately, they love to see my chickens and hear the rooster crow!
