Free Ranging Questions

[Leah and peeps]

Hi everyone,

So i have 7 birds, around a year old that have yet to free range. They do have acess to a run but it is a big muddy mess and they have eaten all the grass! I will give you some background info.:

- I would not be able to let them free range throughout the day, maybe not even every day, (just becuase of my schedule). There are some barn cats around, but they don't show interest in the birds and have yet to be seen "talking" them. We have had no predetor problems since we had the girls. We have no roos, only ladies. There is a cow pasture behind them. So now I have some questions:

1) Would I be able to let them free range for 45min.-1hr time segmants once in a while? (for ex. when i clean the roost or coop?)
Will they come back to the coop? How do I get them to come back in? Will they "run away"?

2) Do you think I should worry about the cats, or any other predetors?

3) Will it (predetors) be a problem because I have no roo?

4) Do you think they may show any interst in the cows, or go in the pasture with them? (they have never been in any contact with other animals)

The coop, run (and you might be able to see the surrounding location) *cows are directly behind and beside, also the garden is now gone*

Thanks for any input!

 

[thechickonthehill]

Do your chickens get treats from you like scratch or scraps? My chickens free range but I don't usually have problems getting them back in the coop because they have learned when they here "Come on chickies!" , that means food and they come running from where ever they are.

A roo may or may not protect them from predators. Usually a rooster will at least warn everyone if he spots something he thinks is threatening. The hens will probably stay more or less together even if they don't have a rooster.

Is the cow pasture fenced off from your property? If not, the girls will probably be in there scratching through the cow patties so be prepared for that.

I have 2 cats and there are also a couple of feral cats running around here. So far (3 years) I have had no problems with cats bothering my adult birds. I don't let the young ones free range until they have about reached their adult size (16 - 18 weeks).

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[backyardmenagerie]

1) Would I be able to let them free range for 45min.-1hr time segmants once in a while? (for ex. when i clean the roost or coop?)
Will they come back to the coop? How do I get them to come back in? Will they "run away"?

You'll need to train them to come back for treats, otherwise they'll want to stay out until it gets dark.

2) Do you think I should worry about the cats, or any other predetors?
3) Will it (predetors) be a problem because I have no roo?

Predators are an issue whether they are in the run or free ranging. If you are outside with them, I doubt a predator would be bold enough to attack. A rooster does help, as does having a dog on your property. However, neither are necessary, and I have found that free-ranging chickens have a better chance of getting away from a predator anyways. I think cats would only be a threat to chicks, I would not worry about them at all for your adult hens.

4) Do you think they may show any interst in the cows, or go in the pasture with them? (they have never been in any contact with other animals)

The chickens will definitely be out with the cows. However, if you have trained them to come when you call, this may be a good thing. A cow is an excellent deterrent to predators.

My chickens love to stay underfoot of the horses, and I feel a little more comfortable knowing that my chickens have 1500 lb guard "dogs."

 

[Leah and peeps]

True!
I usually bring the girls some scraps, and of course they love them (they will even follow me out into watery and muddy the run for them).. How do you exactly tain them to come for treats? Can't be that hard right?

I guess I'm kind of afarid that once they get their yummy green grass and worms, etc.. they will ditch the scraps?
The kitties are hanging out in th barn most of the time..I just hope they all of a sudden become interested when I let the ladies out. But because they are about a year there shouldn't be a problem? Plus I would be out with them.. (except Ill be cleaning the coop

)
I'm still kind of worried about the cows, I know it would be great to have such great guard "dogs" (haha) but I'm just scared that they would go too far into the pasture with them. It is a pretty big acerage I just don't know how far the birdies would go. They wouldn't go near the roads, would they? The coop is pretty far from it.. but you never know..
Also would I need to clip their wings for any reasons?
So i guess the two main things I am worrying about is "How do you get them back?" and "Where will the cows 'take' them?"
Maybe I just being too worried..

Thanks for you great replies! They helped lots!

Leah

 

[NanaLantana]

Chickens are creatures of habit - if you have never let them out, they really won't go far. They like to feel safe. Leave their door wide open, so they can go back in! As they get more familiar with being let out, they'll look forward to it, but they still know where they live. They will very likely NOT run away! I've never had chickens run away! And if they know your voice, and your voice equals food, snuggles, treats - they'll come when you call. At least that's how it has been for me! When you let them out, sit down and watch them for a while - they'll be so funny, you'll laugh! Enjoy!

 

[uncle rico]

as a rule, it is very hard to get all the chickens back in the coop when it is still daylight out. Ive tried it before, but with 47 hens, it's not easy. could be easier in your case though since you don't have that many. as for predators, you dont really have to worry about cats-ones to worry about are racoons/coyotes/hawks. racoons & coyotes mostly operate at night but hawks could be a problem depending on where you are.

 

[rolffamily]

I have trouble getting my chickens back into the coop until they're darn ready to call it a day. You probably don't have to worry about them wandering too far away though. We have 17 acres they can forage on but they choose to poop on my patio and tear apart my flower beds instead.

 

[teach1rusl]

You train them by calling "Chicky-chicky," or anything really - you could sing the star spangled banner for all they know - as long as you do it enthusiatically and give them yummy scraps or scratch when you call it. They will quickly begin associating the treats with the call. I keep scratch in a jar. I don't even have to call - I can just shake the jar and they know the sound and will come running, or even if they SEE the jar. You will become the Pied Piper.

Have you considered doing a sand run?? You might want to consider it this spring/summer. Works really well in areas/situations where mud has taken over...

 

[Ridgerunner]

1) Would I be able to let them free range for 45min.-1hr time segmants once in a while? (for ex. when i clean the roost or coop?)
Will they come back to the coop? How do I get them to come back in? Will they "run away"?

If they are used to the coop as home, they will not run away. You can train them to come for treats and may be able to get them back during the day, but they will return to the coop to roost when it gets dark. You might try free ranging them for an hour or so before their bedtime so you can be with them, at least until you get comfortable with the concept.

2) Do you think I should worry about the cats, or any other predetors?

Barn or house cats should not bother full grown chickens, but maybe if they are the tiny Seramas or other really small bantams, there might be reason for concern. They are a danger to baby chicks though.

Should you worry about other predators? I don't WORRY about them, but I am aware that predators can take a chicken at any time, whether I am around or not. Many predators are more active at night, but practically any of them can strike during daylight hours also. How high is the risk where you are? I don't know. When I was growing up, my parents never locked the chickens up. The coop was in a pasture with cows and horses, and there was a woodland very near by. We would go years without a predator attack, but eventually a fox, dog, something would show up and have to be dealt with. You might have a predator attack within 15 minutes of letting them out. You might go years without one. I cannot say.

3) Will it (predetors) be a problem because I have no roo?

It is a risk whether you have a rooster or not. Most roosters do a pretty good job watching for hawks and such, and many will give their life in defense of their flock, but some roosters don't do that real well. And often, in a flock of only hens, one of the hens will assume those guard duties. So, having a rooster probably would help a little, but it does not solve the problem.

4) Do you think they may show any interst in the cows, or go in the pasture with them? (they have never been in any contact with other animals)

The chickens and cows will get used to each other. The chickens will enjoy scratching through the cow piles for some real great treats, undigested grain as well as some realy nice creepy crawlies, but they will not hang out with the cows for companionship or follow them anywhere. They will mingle with the cows if the cows happen to be in the area.

Mine seldom go further than 300 feet from the coop, though some like to roam a little more than others. The first few days you let them out, they will tend to stay near the coop, but after a while they get braver and roam further. When they decide to move, it does not take them long to travel some pretty good distances. I did have a trio, a Delaware and two Australorps, that were buddies and did travel up to the gravel road a lot. After I ate the Delaware ring-leader, the two Australorps quit going up to the road. They all have their individual personalities.

I can't tell you what will happen with yours. We are all in different circumstances and each chicken has its own personality. If you decide to let them free range, you may lose one or even all to a predator, but them you may not.

Good luck however you decide.

 

[LauraG]

My chickens free-range most of the day. I have trained them from when they are young to come for treats.
I put BOSS in a tin coffee can and shake it.

Its loud and all I have to do is stand on the porch & shake the can, and they come running from wherever they are. They will do anything for BOSS!

I used to let them free range only when I was there, but I changed my tune this year. In spring and summer they will be out most of the day and I understand I am taking my chances, but they are so much better free-ranging physically & emotionally.

I had 2 hawk attempts when I was right there out with them in Nov., so I realized, it doesnt really matter if Im there or not. Unless in the case of a rogue dog or fox or coyote.

Oh, and my cats are fine with the chickens. One got his ass kicked by them and is now officially terrified of them and the other just doesnt take their crap, but pays no attention to them.

Good luck!