Freedom Ranger behavior

[Alaskaduck]

I'm raising broilers for the first time and when I come to their run to feed & water, they rush me at the gate and want out (it seems) to the greener spots around my yard. If I let them free range a bit while I'm outside with them, will they stick around or do I risk losing them?

 

[Tenrec]

They'll stick around the general area, but good luck getting them to go back into their pen, especially if they're not really hungry enough to be lured back with food. They won't make a break for freedom, but they probably won't be super eager to go back home unless there's something there they miss.

They'll be super stoked on that forage, though.

You can try a little temporary pen for them to hang out in, but I don't know how practical that is.

 

[Alaskaduck]

I have a small temporary but so small they would be crowded. I'll hang with them and lure them back with the fermented feed they love.

 

[Tenrec]

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Alaskaduck]

Just great. They stayed pretty close to the gate and me. Reid stayed guard

 

[Alaskaduck]

 

[Tenrec]

Oh my goodness, he's doing such a good job! what a precious picture, thank you for sharing.

I bet they found some nice goodies in those leaves.