Michelley1001
Chirping
I too didn’t let mine free range any longer than about an hour before sunset until they were laying so that they learned to lay in the nest boxes. Now they are a year old and they free range for about half the day most days. We are in south tx on 19 acres so naturally have lots of predators around but I have only lost 2 so far to what I think was a pair of foxes the day after the bad freeze/snow storms here in February. They were hungry and must have decided getting closer to the house was worth the risk. They got 2 of our leghorns that were out of our yard. Our house has a fenced yard of about an acre within our 19 acres and only the leghorns ever go outside our fenced yard into the brush, I guess because they are light and can fly the best. They all come back if I call them for treats or if I leave them alone they come back on their own at sunset. We had a broody hatch and raise chicks this spring and she brought them out to free range at 3 days old. I was shocked but she was a good mama hen and we still have all 7 chicks! I love letting mine free range, I wouldn’t have near as much fun watching them if they didn’t. But I do understand it comes with risks and am ok with that. They seem to be much happier as a flock when they get to be out. Good luck with your flock and enjoy watching your chicken tv!