Free range

[New2TheCoop]

I Let my chickens free range for the whole day today! I normally let them out for an hour or 2, under close watch. But for the first time I let them out all day and checked on them from time to time. Here's a few pics...

My buff Orpington & barred holland hens

My dark brahma rooster & barred holland hens

The buffs like to stick together

 

[blusea23]

So picturesque! The misty appearance of the photos makes it look like chicken heaven. Ahhhhhhhh.......

 

[gritsar]

 

[BooBear]

They look like they are having fun.
I love watching mine free range, makes some good chicken TV.

 

[Atomic Ranch]

Wow, very pretty! Mine will be in a shaded foresty area as well. Do yours seek out the sun spots? Just wondering if they prefer mostly shade, mostly sun, or a combo.

 

[YYZ]

Great photos ! I love watching my hens dig and scratch. They actually dug up a few real old matchbox cars from when before i lived here. makes ya wonder of your homes history.

 

[chicktrader]

I have some that free range and some I have in chicken tractor use them for eggs and to help my garden love chicken poo. LOL

 

[New2TheCoop]

Quote:
They stay in the shade a lot, I live in Southern Louisiana so it's hot and humid. It was 91 today! I just put a waterer in the run this morning, that away they wouldn't have to go inside if they got thirsty. But I'd say they mostly like the shade, but I'm new to this and it's just my observation. On a side note, my roosters are way easier to 'herd' back into their pen. They run from me and go straight to the pen, but my hens don't run... I guess that's a good thing

Do any of you guys have pictures of your chickens free ranging?

 

[gryeyes]

This thread has the most gorgeous picture of a freely ranging flock I have ever seen:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5366593

Enjoy!

 

[Atomic Ranch]

Quote:
They stay in the shade a lot, I live in Southern Louisiana so it's hot and humid. It was 91 today! I just put a waterer in the run this morning, that away they wouldn't have to go inside if they got thirsty. But I'd say they mostly like the shade, but I'm new to this and it's just my observation. On a side note, my roosters are way easier to 'herd' back into their pen. They run from me and go straight to the pen, but my hens don't run... I guess that's a good thing

Do any of you guys have pictures of your chickens free ranging?

91? Lucky you! I love the heat.

Good to know. I just had noticed that the chicks seem to stretch out under the lamp-- "sun"bathing? Lol. Not quite mature enough to go outside yet though.

Their run is about 300 sq. feet under heavy trees, so there's not a lot of direct sun. Spotty. But I think I'll trim some stuff back so that they have a little more after watching them enjoy the light in their little box world. I'm not sure whether to let them just mill around during the day... lots of predators (hawks, dogs, etc.) until I get the whole yard fenced in.

Funny how the roos return to the pen and the hens loiter though!