free ranging for limited times

[hcppam]

Quote:
try it an hour before it gets dark, that way they wont go to far.

 

[hcppam]

Quote:
x2

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

My 3 roosters, who have been separated from the rest of the flock for the sake of my hens, come running at 200 miles an hour when I shake the scratch can. I bring them into the run when the rest of the chickens are already inside the coop, at twilight. Then, for their safety, I coop them all for night and let the boys outside to free range all day (and forage their own lunch!) and the rest of the flock out into the run.

 

[cluckfan]

I'm getting ready to let my flock out for some limited free range time. I'm a bit worried about them not returning to the coop. They are almost five months old Blue and Black Orpingtons. They are quite large and friendly. They respond to me somewhat when I go to their run with a scratch treat. I guess I just need to take the plunge, and try the hour before sunset rule. I never thought I would be this concerned!!!

 

[janinepeters]

With more free ranging time and your company they'll come when you call and run for treats.

Absolutely. The reason people fail in training them to come in when they want them is that they don't leave them out long enough. They need to be out for at least a couple of hours before working up enough of an appetite to come eagerly for a treat. Occasionally there is one who doesn't feel like coming in, but usually I can snatch her up after the others have gone in, or someone can help me corner her, or herd her into the coop.

It is very easy to train them to come when called, if rewarded with scratch grains and/or a birdseed mix.​

 

[egyptchick]

I took the plunge and let them out for two hours tonight. they became quite comfortable and made it to the house. we might have an issue if they take to pecking at the typar like they were.

When i shooed them away they ran right for the run. at bedtime they went to roost. I will work on the treats and training.

 

[itsmechrissy]

Rachel'sFlock :

My 3 roosters, who have been separated from the rest of the flock for the sake of my hens, come running at 200 miles an hour when I shake the scratch can. I bring them into the run when the rest of the chickens are already inside the coop, at twilight. Then, for their safety, I coop them all for night and let the boys outside to free range all day (and forage their own lunch!) and the rest of the flock out into the run.

LOL... l love when my girls run, it's hysterical.. beak forward, wings back, head down...GO!​

 

[bleith]

I have been very fortunate I guess. I put my lovely ladies outside in their coop and run at about 6 weeks old. The first morning I let them out to free range all day in the yard and right about dusk on the first day they wen tback into the run and up the ladder to the coop. Never been issue and I have never needed treats. just be al little more patient.. they are instinctual animals, they know they are prey. they want to be inside when the sun goes down

 

[bertman]

Every evening when we get home after work we let our girls out of their run so they can enjoy the fun stuff in the yard. When I head toward the door they all crowd around and literally run and fly out the door. FREEDOM!!!! It's really hilarious.

Then they just wander around the yard picking, scratching, snatching moths out of the air, digging in the leaves, and generally doing chicken stuff like flying from place to place and doing the chicken-chest-bump. We sit outside and give them grapes or plums or BOSS or watermelon or some other treat so they come up and sit beside us. So far no one has volunteered to be held, but a few have been selected to be held.

As soon as it gets close to dark they all dutifully trek back into the run, up the ladder and into the coop. We have one 'night owl' who always wants to make a couple of last-minute forays outside the run before we lock up.

Tonight they were all on the roost so I took a minute to do the chicken back scratch on the two nearest the door. They just made undecipherable chicken noises but did not move away. That's a first.

We have a herd of fourteen to eighteen deer that live near our house and are constantly in our yard. Last year we had a tick infestation you would not believe. This year, with our girls free ranging almost every day we have very very few ticks. Added benefit of free ranging.

 

[cluckfan]

This is the third evening that I have let the flock out of their run. Tonight they are on their own, as I am not babysitting them. They were eager and rushed the gate as I opened it. I will check on them a bit later just before dark, if I can stand to wait that long. I am really enjoying the chickens and learning more every day. When fall arrives we should start seeing eggs. I think I have a couple of Roos and will be adding three more chicks in hopes of getting replacement pullets. I will be selling the Roos. They are Black and Blue Orpingtons. Beautiful Huge birds with terrific perrsonalities. I see more Orpingtons in my future. I am hooked! I have had so many animals and cannot believe I have waited this long to have Chickens.