Free Ranging New Chickens

[ukchickengirl]

Hi - i've had my 4 girls now for 10 days and they have been in their coop/run all the time but wondered when i could let them out to free range? DH and i are working on the new bigger run this weekend so will be in the garden most of the time but is it too early? They are about 16 weeks old.

Thanks

H x

 

[eggchel]

Usually I keep them in the new pen for two weeks, but it may not be too soon and they are certainly old enough. But, when I let mine out for the first time, I do it kind of late in the day. That way they stick close to the pen and go back inside before they have a chance to wander too far.
If you havent done so already, training them to come when you call them is a good idea. You can do that just by calling the same thing (like "here chick chick") each time that you give them treats, even if they are standing right there, lol. Soon they will associate the call with treats and come running from far and wide.

Take some pics!

Chel