Free ranging

[Party_Chicken]

I have 8 hens that can free range when I come home. We have had some predator issues in the past and almost all attacks have been when we are away. My hens stay in the run for the most part. I have 4 9 week old chicks and 1 8 week old. We live in a suburb ish neighborhood and we have a decent sized yard. When can the chicks free range? The chicks stay in the run all the time and it’s difficult with bed time and the hens coming and going. The hens and chicks are integrated they have been living with the hens for about a month. Will they come back at night? Do I need to supervise them? Will they be able to get through my fence? I will attach pictures of my yard when I get home.

 

[Mrs. K]

If they are homed to the coop, they should go back to the coop at dark. It is all about risk. Good luck.

 

[Party_Chicken]

If they are homed to the coop, they should go back to the coop at dark. It is all about risk. Good luck.

Should I supervise or just leave them to their own devices?

 

[fluffycrow]

I wouldn't supervise. I mean you could, but you don't have to. Do expect a few losses though. Depends on the environment, how good they are with giving alarm calls, and how they react to predators

 

[Party_Chicken]

The yard

 

[Party_Chicken]

I wouldn't supervise. I mean you could, but you don't have to. Do expect a few losses though. Depends on the environment, how good they are with giving alarm calls, and how they react to predators

They are very alert a little skittish around the dogs and some people. I haven’t seen them sound alarm calls but two of my hens I can count on to send an alarm.

 

[fluffycrow]

Sounds good. I see you've got some bushes and trees for them to fly and hide in. One last thing you could consider checking is seeing how well they fly

 

[Party_Chicken]

Sounds good. I see you've got some bushes and trees for them to fly and hide in. One last thing you could consider checking is seeing how well they fly

As I was reading that one flew into my lap! So I think they can fly alright. They got out of the three foot brooder perfectly.

 

[fluffycrow]

As I was reading that one flew into my lap! So I think they can fly alright. They got out of the three foot brooder perfectly.

The real test will be to see if they can fly to a tree branch. I think it's OK for now. Maybe start off slower. Their wing muscles will strengthen from being out. Good luck! What breeds do you have, by the way?

 

[Party_Chicken]

The real test will be to see if they can fly to a tree branch. I think it's OK for now. Maybe start off slower. Their wing muscles will strengthen from being out. Good luck! What breeds do you have, by the way?

An EE pair 1 splash marans 1 blue gold laced Wyandotte and one mutt that’s got some CCL, BSL, some game fowl mixed In there and possibly some lavender Orpington. That one is as wild as they come.