Free ranging question…

[3KillerBs]

There's another thing to consider.

I garden. I don't want loose chickens destroying my garden.

 

[aart]

I have never free ranged, 10 years now.
Too many hawks, and other preds, around.
Also didn't want chicken poop all over the place and/or the gardens torn up.
But I have a large coop and run and they are perfectly 'happy'.

 

[Shadrach]

While it may seem like a straightforward question, successful free ranging requires the right attitude and management.
There is a world of difference between free ranging and ranging, so knowing what system one is going to adopt before one even gets chickens is important.
Some breeds are more suitable for free ranging than others while most chickens can range successfully given the right conditions.
Very briefly to free range one needs the right breeds, at least one rooster and hens that are likely to go broody. The idea is one will lose chickens but this is offset by having the flock replace itself without bringing in new stock from outside. There is a lot more to it, but if you don't have the above minimum what is likely to happen is one won't have many chickens left after a while.

Ranging can be done with relative safety by most keepers. In your case you could let them out in whatever space you have if you are prepared to supervise them. Even an hour or two a day is likely to have health benefits.

 

[SueT]

Good point in above post—-there are breeds that are better at evading predators. If you have heavy slow mellow hens, or ones with poofy crests, not so good.
But even the fastest most vigilant can be taken…

 

[igorsMistress]

I have chickens that are mixed breeds. You name it, it’s probably in there somewhere. None have crests and all are standard size. I have never left my chickens in a run, even when they were without a rooster for a short period. Even the broodies get out and about with their chicks.

A rooster will usually watch for predators and alert the flock to danger. When we had no rooster, the top two hens took over the role and did a good job. In my opinion standing there to supervise doesn’t make any difference; there are plenty of stories here on BYC where the human was right there, but the hawk or coyote got away with the goods anyway.

In my opinion flocks that spend their time out and about learn what to watch for and are better equipped to handle the situation. There’s nothing like experience as a teacher. Note that I have a LOT of cover available for my flock in the form bushes and small trees. Also, there are very few dead ends in the yard where they could be trapped with no escape.

If you go the free range route you do need to be prepared for losses. If you don’t ever want losses, you probably shouldn’t let them out and keep them in a run.

 

[Knobby]

I was wanting to free range my flock, but after talking with the neighbor, opted to hold still until I can fence in an area of my yard for supervised free ranging. She started off with 20 hens and is down to 9 due to the 2 hawks, a falcon and 2 eagles that frequent the area. We have 12 acres, so we should have plenty of roaming space for the girls, but like I said, not until I can fence in an area. I've seen tractor tunnels, or whatever they are called, that I may consider to allow access to areas away from their coop.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Don't feel bad about not free ranging. Some folks are ok with losing a couple here and there. I am not. Some folks have fewer predators. I have, like, every possible predator on my property. Seriously, you name it, I probably got it. I have not lost any to predators YET. Knock on wood. They have a large covered run as well as a large netted yard surrounded by electric netting.

 

[Dragonlady1956]

I do not free range my girls. I have 6 and 4 of them are 7 months old, the other two are 5 months. We have hawks and owls that fly over us daily. They have a big protected run (10 x 14’), so they get plenty of outside time. Anyone free ranging? I am curious as to whether I am just being over protective or should leave it as is. Thanks

I free range for an hour or two a day. I sit out there with them with my air pellet gun and a stick in case something comes near. A few chicken hawks have thought about flying a little closer but with me standing there they don't bother.

 

[Knobby]

I free range for an hour or two a day. I sit out there with them with my air pellet gun and a stick in case something comes near. A few chicken hawks have thought about flying a little closer but with me standing there they don't bother.

LOL...I'm looking forward to supervising my flock when I'll let them free range.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I free range for an hour or two a day. I sit out there with them with my air pellet gun and a stick in case something comes near. A few chicken hawks have thought about flying a little closer but with me standing there they don't bother.

That sounds like SO MUCH FUN. Imma do that.