free range vs. the run

[Mrs. K]

Mine love to free range, but do not peck at each other if confined. Pecking can be a sign that they do not have enough space. I mix it up, let them out different amounts of time different days.

But if you are going to keep them in the run, put a sturdy roost in the run, a couple of boxes, have a shady and a sunny area. An easy way and a cheap way to give your chickens more space is to give them different levels in your current run, they can get away from each other, and they can get some exercise.

mrsK

 

[kristen2678]

Try one of these. http://www.premier1supplies.com/poultry/species.php?source=google&gclid=CMOx36jAt6QCFZhL5QoduhZl0Q

You can section off the yard, and then rotate them into another section while the first spot gets a chance to heal.

 

[chickfamilyonsleepyhollow]

Thanks for all the posts and ideas ... we left them in the run for most of the day then let them free range around 5:30 til it got dark around 7:00 ... I didn't notice them pecking at each other ... although I definately sensed they were quite anxious to be freed!!!! we'll see what the next few days bring.

 

[flockof4]

I got young pullets back in late winter and kept them in their run 'til about mid-June. From then on I've been letting them free-range in the back yard. They tend not to disturb the more established plants, but they are chickens and seem to like to have the run of the place. One thing I've experienced is that they really do need areas for dust bathing. And of course the garden beds have really nice loose dirt that the chickens love to lay in. In any event, your chickens will let you know what they want, one way or another.