Free Ranging

[EGGHEADnNC]

Should i let my chickens out of the coop during the day ? When i first brought them home i was getting eggs everyday now i am getting none. Also is a roosting pole a necessity ? Any help would be greatly appreciated >

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Free-ranging is a personal choice. I would love to turn mine out all day every day. BUT they have a tendency to go visit the neighbors not to mention dogs, coyotes, hawks and psychoctic children in the neighborhood. I turn them out when I am home and can have a "chicken round-up" if need be.

I think roosting poles are necessary as chickens naturally roost. If you don't give them one, they will find something to use.

 

[EGGHEADnNC]

Thank you coyotemagic i am lost right now . but i will get a handle on this egg business .

 

[LynneP]

Here, we assume our flocks will be decimated by predators so we've constructed a large run. A chicken tractor is another possibility (check coop and run design). There used to be free-rangers here, but all that's left is some lonely roosters.

 

[mmajw]

How long have you had them?
Do they have an outdoor run?
Is there enough space in their coop?

Yes I think they should have something or somethings to roost on they will naturally look for a roost.