Free ranging, how safe is it?

[kstaven]

I live in a forested region and have every predator known out there. The dogs do their job and I don't lose chickens. I have lost a few to feral cats when the dogs where penned, but beyond that the local predators know this is not a safe zone for them.

Your general circumstances really dictate the safety factor. IE: My neighbor down the road loses every chicken they get. No dogs, no fences, no safe coops and thus nothing to deter the local predators.

 

[Kentucky]

bigreyhorse:

In our case, the wife's chickens get to free range any time during the daylight hours that I'm working out there in the coup/pen area. The chickens seem to be totally confident in my reaction time and shooting skill, thus far they have been correct.

We make an rather efficient team, they are the "spotters" and I am the "shooter". When danger approaches they squawk and head for the pen gate after the boom back out they come, while I get rid of the transgressor.

So far, so good

Kentucky

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
One of the better statements on the matter. True free-ranging is not practical for most of us. It certainly does little for the chickens.
Yes, there is the idealistic, even Pollyanna-esque concept of free-ranging. And it does seem pleasant on the surface, in a tie-dyed, tambourine bangin' way. It might be best embodied by the cry, "Live Free You Chickens!"

But there's a few simple reasons we got away from the free-ranging, scrub flocks of our great grandfathers:
- Everything wants a chicken dinner. Lay the buffet and they will come.
- You get poor results from a true free-ranged flock.

If you are going to give good stewardship and care to the creatures you have responsibility over, then you control your animals for their benefit and YOURS. This takes many forms, but we might ALL be better served by referring to this free range nonsense as "foraging."

 

[Solsken Farm]

Quote:

You are really funny, Mr. grumpy.

Now I am stalking you to see what else you are going to say. (just kidding, of course.)

 

[speckledhen]

Yep, our David has a unique way of expressing himself and a practical, no-nonsense way of looking at things.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
One of the better statements on the matter. True free-ranging is not practical for most of us. It certainly does little for the chickens.
Yes, there is the idealistic, even Pollyanna-esque concept of free-ranging. And it does seem pleasant on the surface, in a tie-dyed, tambourine bangin' way. It might be best embodied by the cry, "Live Free You Chickens!"

But there's a few simple reasons we got away from the free-ranging, scrub flocks of our great grandfathers:
- Everything wants a chicken dinner. Lay the buffet and they will come.
- You get poor results from a true free-ranged flock.

If you are going to give good stewardship and care to the creatures you have responsibility over, then you control your animals for their benefit and YOURS. This takes many forms, but we might ALL be better served by referring to this free range nonsense as "foraging."

I would have to say this post smacks of sour grapes!

In other words, if one can't do it then its not worth doing? Just because it isn't "practical" for some of you doesn't follow that it does "little" for the chickens. Ditto for the statement of getting "poor results from a true free-ranged flock".....I don't know what your definition of a "true" free ranged flock may be, but there have been many studies to support the increased health and, therefore, the increased viability of the by-product,of free ranged birds. It only makes sense that the more varied diet of free ranged birds relates to better health, as does the effect of not being confined to a small, picked over run and coop. I don't know about your results, but I haven't had a sick bird in all the years I have freeranged, nor have I had "poor results" in egg or meat production. I don't free range to satisfy any Polly Anna-esque, tambourine bangin' (as you so eloquently phrased it) ideal of the freedom of chickens. Fresh air, sunshine, fresh greens and exercise is considered the best way for the inhabitants of our land to maintain health and happiness. As for my great-grandfather....he didn't have "scrub" flocks (as opposed to purebred, show chickens, perhaps?), he had healthy poultry and fed his family on it. I suppose he just wasn't as educated as to the "true" way to raise poultry and would probably express some surprise and a chuckle at your "common sense"!

 

[Davaroo]

Thanks to both of you. {{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
One of the better statements on the matter. True free-ranging is not practical for most of us. It certainly does little for the chickens.
Yes, there is the idealistic, even Pollyanna-esque concept of free-ranging. And it does seem pleasant on the surface, in a tie-dyed, tambourine bangin' way. It might be best embodied by the cry, "Live Free You Chickens!"

But there's a few simple reasons we got away from the free-ranging, scrub flocks of our great grandfathers:
- Everything wants a chicken dinner. Lay the buffet and they will come.
- You get poor results from a true free-ranged flock.

If you are going to give good stewardship and care to the creatures you have responsibility over, then you control your animals for their benefit and YOURS. This takes many forms, but we might ALL be better served by referring to this free range nonsense as "foraging."

I would have to say this post smacks of sour grapes!

In other words, if one can't do it then its not worth doing? Just because it isn't "practical" for some of you doesn't follow that it does "little" for the chickens. Ditto for the statement of getting "poor results from a true free-ranged flock".....I don't know what your definition of a "true" free ranged flock may be, but there have been many studies to support the increased health and, therefore, the increased viability of the by-product,of free ranged birds. It only makes sense that the more varied diet of free ranged birds relates to better health, as does the effect of not being confined to a small, picked over run and coop. I don't know about your results, but I haven't had a sick bird in all the years I have freeranged, nor have I had "poor results" in egg or meat production. I don't free range to satisfy any Polly Anna-esque, tambourine bangin' (as you so eloquently phrased it) ideal of the freedom of chickens. Fresh air, sunshine, fresh greens and exercise is considered the best way for the inhabitants of our land to maintain health and happiness. As for my great-grandfather....he didn't have "scrub" flocks (as opposed to purebred, show chickens, perhaps?), he had healthy poultry and fed his family on it. I suppose he just wasn't as educated as to the "true" way to raise poultry and would probably express some surprise and a chuckle at your "common sense"!

Alas, you and yours seem to be few and far between. There is little debate that a life outside the cage is better than the alternative. Ditto for the sunshine and living feed options available outside the cage - those things were known long-ago. No debate there.

Yet, the generally accepted view is that 'freeranging' = turn them loose.
"Be Free You Chickens"... then we stand aghast when something happens.

If you look closely you'll see I mentioned things like predation and poor results as negatives to a wholesale exodus to the "Great Beyond." Never has loss of livestock or unpredictability been considered a benefit. Well, not from where I stand.

However, it is obvious you have it worked out and I stand corrected. Many, including myself, could undoubtedly take a few pointers from you.

 

[Beekissed]

Most graciously stated, Elderoo! I bow to your eloquence in this post as well!

 

[dixygirl]

A movable tractor would allow them to get fresh air and a varied diet the same as a fenceless environment. Or if you enclose a big space they can "free range" inside it.