free range

[AutumnDreamer]

How do you teach a chicken not to run away, or run into the street? We live out in no mans land, but we still live close to the road, and cars go by very fast (even though the speed limit is 25mph)

 

[Darklingstorm]

I really don't think you can. Maybe a fence or a low voltage electric fence might change their mind. But other than that I really don't have any idea on how to keep them from going where they want to.

 

[Judy]

You don't. They will go wherever they want til a fence or building stops them. Electric fences don't stop them, either. Mine had enough charge to make a good sized dog yip loudly and never touch it again, but it didn't bother the chickens. Evidently they don't feel it because of the feathers.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:
x2
Do they make shock collars for chickens?

Chickens really don't need much of a fence if all you want to do is keep them out of somewhere. A green plastic poultry fence, very light & moveable, will be sufficient. It will not, however, protect them from anything like a predator. Just make sure it is tall enough so they don't jump over it.

 

[TeamChaos]

What's on the other side of your property? I ask because my chickens' farm is on a highway, but they've got 80 acres to range behind the house. Since Day One, I've chased anyone who ventured around the front of the house right back into the back yard. I make sure there is plenty to do back there too.

 

[mrsp523]

commenting on TeamChao's post....makes you wonder if they could have a nest in the front yard...or across the street. I have one who likes to lay her eggs in a bunch of iris's next to our front door. Then she freaks out for an hour trying to locate the flock.

 

[BlackDogPack]

I live by a road, not right on the road but about 125 feet off the road. I have never had a chicken or duck get hit. They stay in the backyard where the coop, food, water, etc is and have the rest of the 115 acres to roam (although they don't go far). I've had chickens for years and never had a problem. I keep new ones in quarantine for a couple weeks then they just follow the flock when let out. Guineas are another story. They travel.