Free Ranging

[rmc85]

I kept my (little ones) in the coop for a week and then let them out in the coop/run for another 2-3 weeks. After that they started to free range but half of them still want to roost in the tree next to the coop.

 

[HEChicken]

Ha ha - I did it all wrong but somehow it still worked. I had mine in the brooder inside and was keeping them outside in a little enclosed run (not attached to the coop) during the day. One night it was particularly warm so instead of carrying them back into the brooder, we put them in the coop for the night. Next day back to the run, next night back to the coop. After that, we started free-ranging them during the day. The first couple of days, they would range closer and closer to the feed and water bowls as dusk fell rather than heading to the coop. The first time we carried them to the coop, next day "herded" them to the coop and the next day they had it figured out and went to the coop by themselves.

 

[SimplyForties]

After 5 days in the coop I decided today was the day and opened the door. Pretty much of a non-event. They ventured about 2" out the door twice and then went right back in. LOL, I guess at least that means they feel safe in their coop!

 

[TeriNick50]

At three days old, we started moving the chicks from the brooder in the garage to the outdoor pen during the day. We would bring them back into the garage at night.

At 4 weeks old, they moved to the coop permanently. During the day, we opened the gate of the pen and they barely would poke their beaks over the threshold. It took a couple weeks before they started to explore their free range world.

Now they are 14 weeks old and roam free all day but at dusk, they are back to the coop without coaxing.

 

[cap1717]

The chooks were still pretty young when I added the run to the coop, so they stayed in the coop run combo for about a month before being allowed out into the yard, under supervision. I monitered their "out" time for the first week or two, also making sure that the dog would not chase them. Now they are let out in the am most days, and shut in in the evening. If I am out late they put themselves to bed, but I still need to lock the coop up at night.