Free Range

[chicken-keeper]

Would my set up be classed as free range if not whats it classed as ......

They have around 400 sqaure foot (there are 12 hens), its a very similar set up as ni the picture and i have a low 3 foot chicken wire around the outskirts. To stop fox's ext. So what are my hens classed as ??

Thanks

 

[Ridgerunner]

That is a very nice set-up for 12 hens. You can expect them to strip every bit of green vegetation from it though. They'd probably strip it if it were 5 times that size. They'll find a lot of bugs and other creepy-crawlies but not a lot of green stuff after a while. If you do throw them grass clippings make sure they are pretty short, say under 1" long, to keep from impacting their crop.

I really don't know a universal definition for "free-range". I've never worried about it. One definition is that if they have a door they can go through to see sunlight, that is free-range. For others, if you have a fence to keep them in, no matter how far away, it is not free-range. For me, if you do the best you can with what you have, that is good enough.

 

[Judy]

Ummm, 3' of chicken wire is not going to stop a fox, or much else, including most chickens.

 

[valentinebaby]

Have you thought of dividing the run in 1/2 so you can plant grass and rotate which side their on? I agree that unless you are to survey them all day, your in danger of dog, hawk and sundry other animals in your area to jump over the fence. I'd consider at least an inexpensive aviary netting to slow that down. Good luck - Gail

 

[chicken-keeper]

i dont want a cage on them, as it stops me & friends leaning over and interacting with them........

I am considering extending and getting about 6 chicks though...... had them for a year so far nothing's got to them and they havnt got out.............

 

[cybercat]

With that set up I would consider your hens free range for the simple fact they will be outside that fence in no time

An enclosed run is just that a run the chickens can not get out of unless you let them out. With a 3 foot fence the hens will be flying over and back all they want.

 

[chicken-keeper]

Hahaha, not with clipped wings

 

[DukeDawg528]

A three foot high fence sure won't keep predators out...

 

[chicken-keeper]

Quote:
has done so far, over winter and summer for a year..... surely they would have attacked by now........ and i have seen foxes snopping around

 

[sundance]

I just open the door to the coop, pour the food in the food container in the run(which is bare of anything green, then open door to the run, they and my GS Guiana cover all 27 acres I think, they come home about 4 oclock for a scratch treat before going to bed. marrie