free ranging questions

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cavscout

cavscout

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I just established a new Flock of 14 Birds and 1 roo, how long should I keep them in the new pen and enclosure before I allow them to learn to free range. We're new to this chicken thing. Thanks
 
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I would keep them in the coop/run for at least a week so that they know where home is and will return at dusk. Good luck to you.
 
Thank you, they've been in their coop/pen for aprox. 2 months. We've had them since chicks so about 4 months old we're just concerned they won't come back.
 
By this time, they will have learned their coop is a safe place for them. I seriously doubt they will run away..... But you could start by letting them out about an hour before their bedtime, so they'll be inclined to want to go roost before they have wandered very far away. Increase the time they're out every few days....

You'll get an idea which ones you'll have to herd back into the run and coop at first, but eventually they will all coop up by themselves.

And welcome to BYC from California wine country in the Western Sierra Foothills!
 
Well all my Chicken lovers, my son went to the coop and guess what??? We have eggs:) only question is my birds are roughly 16 weeks old is that okay. The first and only 2 so far are small but great shape and good color. We're moving their feed to layer.
 
You betcha that's okay! Congrats! The eggs will most likely get larger; first eggs are usually smaller. The hens are breaking in their egg-laying parts, so to speak.

16 weeks is early for most breeds, but Production birds, leghorns, many others start laying before a lot of other breeds.

I had to wait 22 weeks for my very first egg.
 

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