Free ranging my chickens need advice

[HomeHatcher22]

My 6 chickens are only 2 1/2 monthes old, i have been thinking about it and i want to free range my chickens but im scared they would just fly away and never come back!! Is there any way to start training your chickens to free range. Will it be hard because they have been raised in the coop there whole lives so far we have no fencing or bariers in my yard because we have a huge yard. If anyone can help me let me know thanks!!!

 

[sourland]

Do they have an outside pen in addition to the coop ? If so just open the door to the pen and allow them to come outside on their own. Monitor their first several experiences and use feed to lure them back into the pen. Understand that when free ranging eventually birds will be lost to predation and that 2.5 month old birds are particularly vulnerable to attacks from hawks.

 

[HomeHatcher22]

I do have a run in my coop i wasn't thinking on free ranging them now i meant until they are in laying age

 

[PotatoHead]

I started free ranging mine at about 6 weeks old. Like Sourland said just open the door to the run and let them come out on their own. They know where home is and where they are safe. Do some yard work or just sit outside and watch them giving them space in the beginning.

Getting them back in the run is a whole other challenge. My daughter has become a professional chicken herder . More often than not nowadays they go back on their own to put themselves to bed and we shut the door around dark.

 

[Criticalicious]

Treats work well. Mine recognize the Grubblies bag, and they'll follow it anywhere, like children after the Pied Piper

 

[HomeHatcher22]

ok i guess ill try it
thank you

 

[PotatoHead]

Treats work well. Mine recognize the Grubblies bag, and they'll follow it anywhere, like children after the Pied Piper

Good point! Put some scratch or worms in a tupperware and shake it every time before you give them some. Condition them to come to the sound.

 

[Polish Hen House]

Treats work so well. My chicks come when called now.