Free Range

[SueBobConn]

Does any one else let their flock run free anymore ?

 

[Isadora]

I do. I have my guineas and chickens for tick control. Only fencing I have up is a stretch along the woods to keep them out of there and some along the driveway to keep them from crossing the road.

 

[3KillerBs]

I didn't because I didn't want them getting into my garden or my SIL's landscaping (we share the property).

I can't even let them out into their pen right now because Avian Flu has been found in my state.

 

[Sally PB]

I don't, and probably won't. We have both land and aerial predators, including our dog and the neighbor's dog. It's not worth it to me.

Since they've never free ranged, they don't know what they're missing.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Does any one else let their flock run free anymore ?

3 of my groups do. 2 during the day and 1 technically 24/7/365

 

[BayBuzzard]

i want to fre R, but hawks, eagles and owls would make quick work.

i am ordering the poultry/bird netting 2" sq, today, so i have it on hand when the time comes.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Mine are free when I am home. When I wont be home they are in their run. I might leave them out if I run to a neighbor's house, but not if I will be gone a few hours. They love their freedom. I know that I could lose one, but I try to focus on them and I think they would choose a short, great life to one of confinement.

That being said, I live in a low predation area. I have only lost one bird in the past 4 years, so my risk is low. That's the only reason I choose to free range.

 

[BayBuzzard]

Mine are free when I am home. When I wont be home they are in their run. I might leave them out if I run to a neighbor's house, but not if I will be gone a few hours. They love their freedom. I know that I could lose one, but I try to focus on them and I think they would choose a short, great life to one of confinement.

That being said, I live in a low predation area. I have only lost one bird in the past 4 years, so my risk is low. That's the only reason I choose to free range.

that's cool. wish we could. aside from air raids, we have:red and grey fox, dogs, big mink, evil weasel, noisy fischer cat, elusive bobcat, coyote, and my wife came across an otter the other day. guess the otters wont cause too much trouble

 

[Brooks_]

I would but they trespass too much. The grass is always greener type thing.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My 70 birds have about 5 acres protected by electric fencing. Fencing whose gates they are jumping over and ranging across two more acres where I'm building my house, but still remaining on my 30 acres.

I'm not sure if that counts?

I would REALLY rather wish they would stay in their 5 acres. I'm starting to cull the roosters that are ranging the furthest, and hopeful that, with the arrival of spring, their pasture will start looking more attractive to them again.