Free Ranging Questions and Suggestions PLEASE!!!

[JazzysChicks]

Good morning everyone-
I'm really wanting to start free ranging my chickens. I have 2 cockerels and 27 hens they are all about 2 months old. I've read in many places that some people just open the doors to the coop or run and let them more or less "figure it out". I live in the country and of course like may have several concerns.

1. How far do most chickens usually roam?
2. My husband and I both have full time jobs. Can I let them out to free range while we're at work or should I do it only when we're home?
3. What's a good way to get them back into the run if I need to put them in early?
4. Any suggestions for training older dogs (first time around chickens) to protect the flock?
5. Any opinions of paddocks or fenced in areas for chickens vs. completely free range?

I have an enclosed run for them right now and the dogs are getting use to the chickens. I'm very well aware of the predators in my area. I'm looking for some options of being able to free range as much as I can but, still find ways to keep my flock safe. Any suggestions or ideas would be very much appreciated! Thanks!!!!!
HAPPY EASTER!!!

 

[Mrs. K]

The more you let them out, the farther they will roam.

If you let them out, you will almost always lose some to predators, wild ones and the neighborhood dogs.For some reason, it is always your favorite. Sometimes you can go weeks or even months without a loss, but very, very few people free range without a loss.

A mature 1 year old rooster will help, some better than others.

Do NOT let them out on windy or deeply cloudy days, gives an advantage to the predator.

Do not let them out on a routine schedule, some days let them out early, some days let them out late, some days not at all.

When you get hit by a predator, keep them locked up for several days. Predators like an easy meal, and will be back. If you don't continue to feed them, they often will move on.

Train them to come to a can of scratch, calling "here chick, chick" and shake the can. Or have a long stick, or sorting stick from the feedstore, stand so that they are between you and the gate. Tap the ground saying "Hut, hut" when they move away from you, you stop and don't move until they stop, then take slow steps toward them until they start to move again closer to the run. If one moves to go past you, reach out with the stick and tap the ground in front of the bird. Do NOT hurry, move slowly and just enough pressure to move them at a walk towards the gate.

Dogs are either good with them or are not, some will protect them, some is just wishful thinking.

Mrs K