FreeRange or Not

[craftyridge]

I have 4 chickens and a good size back yard. They are about 4 months old and have begun to lay. I also have children at my home ranging in age from 1 year to 13. Is it safe to let the chickens free range if the kids still play in the backyard? Do I need to worry about salmonella that way? Should I just clip their wings and wire fence them in an area so they have some freedom? Any ideas and tips would be great. Thank you

 

[salt and pepper]

I have 4 chickens and a good size back yard. They are about 4 months old and have begun to lay. I also have children at my home ranging in age from 1 year to 13. Is it safe to let the chickens free range if the kids still play in the backyard? Do I need to worry about salmonella that way? Should I just clip their wings and wire fence them in an area so they have some freedom? Any ideas and tips would be great. Thank you

I free range all the time, and have various aged children. As long as the kids won't terrorize the chickens, they'll be fine, and you really shouldn't need to worry about salmonella, unless the birds are in dirty conditions.

 

[craftyridge]

I free range all the time, and have various aged children. As long as the kids won't terrorize the chickens, they'll be fine, and you really shouldn't need to worry about salmonella, unless the birds are in dirty conditions.

Sounds great! Will they make their way back into the coop in the evening or will I have to catch them and put them in?

 

[salt and pepper]

Sounds great! Will they make their way back into the coop in the evening or will I have to catch them and put them in?

If you free range all day, they will find their way to the coop, I heard mine up early when I feed them at 5 pm.