Free Ranging Bantam Breeds

[HeatherKellyB]

I have had LF chickens for a little over a year. I added a few silkies and bantam cochin 11 months ago and other than their size, there hasn't been much difference in free ranging/keeping them. This past March I added a flock of OEGBs, Japanese Bantam, Booted Bantam, and Pyncheon chicks. They've always had a roof or netting of some kind over any run they've been in. I recently separated the bantam pullets due to the over aggressive mating of the bantam cockerels. I always let the hens and pullets from all of my flocks free range together in the evening while my daughter and I spend time with them. Earlier this evening, I decided to open the bantam pullets coop to see if they'd like to join. After quite a bit of hesitation, I convinced one to fly to me and two others went in separate directions. They decided to fly around instead of interacting with the other hens and pullets on the ground. These girls can really fly! I knew they were capable of flying as they fly often in their run, but they can actually fly really well (I know it's not a surprise to anyone reading this but imagine my surprise when my precious, FAVORITE, brand new laying OEGB took OFF flying like a wild bird)! So, my question is, do you just allow them to fly wherever and know that they'll not stray too far and come back before dark? Do you clip a wing (or would you need to clip both wings on a smaller bird?)? Or just keep them in a large covered run? Thank you in advance. These birds (and BYC) teach me something new every single day!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would clip a wing. Mine have 20 acres to roam so they usually get their energy out by dusk and go home

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I would clip a wing. Mine have 20 acres to roam so they usually get their energy out by dusk and go home

What time do you let them out? If you allowed them to free range in the late afternoon, early evening? Do you think they'd come back? I guess I am so worried because my birds have always just strolled around. If any of them took flight, it's only because they're scared of something and they only get a foot or so off the ground. I was too afraid to let them continue flying around this evening. Luckily they came right to me as soon as I got close to them. My heart just dropped when I noticed my girl fly so far. I believe it scared her as much as it did me

 

[Folly's place]

They should all return to their coop in the evening.
If any decide to roost outside in the trees, that will be a problem though. We had that happen here, and had fun with the flashlight and big fish net out there in the dark!
Bantams are definitely easier for predators to pick off, especially hawks, which is a problem.
Mine free rang nearly every day, unless there has been a predator problem.
Mary

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I open my run at dawn for them to go in and out

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I open my run at dawn for them to go in and out

Do they come back and lay in the coop or do they lay where they're free ranging?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Depends on the bird. My bantams and one standard hen are pretty trained, but a standard and my pullets lay other places

 

[HeatherKellyB]

They should all return to their coop in the evening.
If any decide to roost outside in the trees, that will be a problem though. We had that happen here, and had fun with the flashlight and big fish net out there in the dark!
Bantams are definitely easier for predators to pick off, especially hawks, which is a problem.
Mine free rang nearly every day, unless there has been a predator problem.
Mary

One of my concerns is that I just put them in a different coop and run because the bantam cockerels were just too much and even hurt one of the OEGB pullets. They probably need to be in this coop and run for a while before they'll come back, right?

 

[Ridgerunner]

One of my concerns is that I just put them in a different coop and run because the bantam cockerels were just too much and even hurt one of the OEGB pullets. They probably need to be in this coop and run for a while before they'll come back, right?

Yes. Each chicken is an individual and each flock has its own dynamics, I can't tell you exactly how long. I'd probably try a week since they will come to you so you can at least get them the next day if they take to the trees and you can't get them that first night. That's one week of sleeping on the roost in that coop, not just being in that coop.

It sounds like they may be about 4 months old, still immature pullets and not laying yet. Mine are generally afraid of the older hens until they start start to lay. Oh, there are exceptions if they have been raised in the flock, occasionally they will mingle. But for the most part they form a separate sub-flock until they mature enough to start laying.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Yes. Each chicken is an individual and each flock has its own dynamics, I can't tell you exactly how long. I'd probably try a week since they will come to you so you can at least get them the next day if they take to the trees and you can't get them that first night. That's one week of sleeping on the roost in that coop, not just being in that coop.

It sounds like they may be about 4 months old, still immature pullets and not laying yet. Mine are generally afraid of the older hens until they start start to lay. Oh, there are exceptions if they have been raised in the flock, occasionally they will mingle. But for the most part they form a separate sub-flock until they mature enough to start laying.

Wow! You're exactly right! I purchased them as day olds this past March. One of them, the Blue Breasted Red OEGB, has been laying for about 2 and a half weeks now and I noticed the Splash Breasted Red OEGB started squatting today. All of them have pretty much the same pelvic spacing, but they others just recently. The largest pullet, a Self Blue OEGB doesn't look close to laying and her pelvic spacing is still more tightened but beginning to open. Would it be beneficial to wait until they're all laying before free ranging them all day? Are they more mature and likely to come home once they begin laying? The othertwo pullets not mentioned are a Red Pyle OEGB and a Pyncheon.
I really appreciate everyone's help