"Free Range"

[Backyard Bob]

Hello, I am looking into getting chickens again. I have a lot of timber and open grassland. How much area would be needed for my chickens to eat without being fed anything. I have to fence it off because of coyotes and foxes.

Thanks,
Backyard Bob

 

[animallover505]

Depends on how many chickens and how much grass. And the insect population. You should probably offer a bit of feed, just in case.

 

[Backyard Bob]

If I put them in there, and offer feed. Will they eat excessively? Or will they eat just enough feed?

 

[animallover505]

I believe that chickens know how much feed they need. Besides, they'd eat the feed (if they are any) in the evening, after they have eaten as much greenery and as many bugs as they want. I give my chickens free-choice feed, and scratch on the ground, as well as kitchen scraps. They are perfectly healthy. They also get free range time in the afternoon sometimes, and they have free-choice oyster shell and grit.

 

[Backyard Bob]

Okay thank you. I just can't afford to buy a bag of feed every week

 

[Backyard Bob]

How many square feet would most likely be adequate for 17 chickens?

 

[animallover505]

170 would be great, but half that would work.

 

[Backyard Bob]

Okay, thank you! So 1200 square feet would be plenty? Lol

 

[animallover505]

oh definitely!! you could have 100 chickens on that no problem! haha

 

[Backyard Bob]

Okay, I was thinking a 50' x 25' run with a coop! It will cost me $100 to build the run, but I think it will pay off in the end when I don't have to purchase feed!