Free ranging

[melba1012]

We have 6 chicken that are 1 year old. We just started letting them free range during the day. We have 3 babies about 2 months old. When we merge them how do we do the free ranging thing? Will the babies come back? Or should we keep the babies locked up until they are older? Thanks for the advice

 

[Perris]

We have 6 chicken that are 1 year old. We just started letting them free range during the day. We have 3 babies about 2 months old. When we merge them how do we do the free ranging thing? Will the babies come back? Or should we keep the babies locked up until they are older? Thanks for the advice

By 'when we merge them' do you mean that they will change living accommodation, e.g. move from a brooder to the main coop? If so, you'll need to lock them in the coop for a few days until they recognize it as their new home.
Then you can let them out to free range and they will come home to roost at dusk.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not sure what you intend to do for integration. I assume that's what you mean by merge. Where have they been sleeping?

Without knowing your plans or what your coop looks like I'd build a pen in the coop and house the juveniles in there at least a week. When you are ready for them to merge open the gate to that pen while the adults are outside. Let the juveniles handle it from there. They may immediately go outside or it may take them a day or two to make it outside. After they make it outside at bedtime they should want to go back where they are used to sleeping really bad. Mine always do. You need to be out there at bedtime in case of problems. I've had a few get on the wrong side of a fence and forget all about that gate they have been using all day. They want to get to the coop but can't figure out how to get there.

 

[Vickischics]

In my experience, I keep the chicks in a protected run until laying because of size. Free ranging sounds nice but, you must know it comes with daily risks. Like preditors. Hawks will pick them up, right in front of you.
I don't seem to have many problems will full sized girls. ( I don't have a Roo). But, remember they will disappear at any given time so, Don't cry when your count is minus 1 or 2. Because once the preditors take one, they'll be back for a well fed chicken.
Good luck and take the suggestions given about intregration. (Merge: your term).
Also, they are lil raptors and WILL tear up your garden or flowers and they may not necessarily stay in your yard. Just so your aware of these things. Good Luck.

 

[Vickischics]

Not sure what you intend to do for integration. I assume that's what you mean by merge. Where have they been sleeping?

Without knowing your plans or what your coop looks like I'd build a pen in the coop and house the juveniles in there at least a week. When you are ready for them to merge open the gate to that pen while the adults are outside. Let the juveniles handle it from there. They may immediately go outside or it may take them a day or two to make it outside. After they make it outside at bedtime they should want to go back where they are used to sleeping really bad. Mine always do. You need to be out there at bedtime in case of problems. I've had a few get on the wrong side of a fence and forget all about that gate they have been using all day. They want to get to the coop but can't figure out how to get there.

Very true. They get mixed up for sure. But, they do finally get it.