Full Free Range

[BrittanyTheYooper]

Im a newbie to chickens and could use some advice I have 17 chickens currently (opringtons and wydonettes). They are almost fully feathered and I’ve been coop training them for about two weeks where they have been let into a run at day break and then inside at sunset. I want to start their free ranging soon. Most posts I read people still seem to have some type of fence. We have 40 acres (mostly wooded) and my plan was to just well let them free range, do they need to be more confined than that??

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Im a newbie to chickens and could use some advice I have 17 chickens currently (opringtons and wydonettes). They are almost fully feathered and I’ve been coop training them for about two weeks where they have been let into a run at day break and then inside at sunset. I want to start their free ranging soon. Most posts I read people still seem to have some type of fence. We have 40 acres (mostly wooded) and my plan was to just well let them free range, do they need to be more confined than that??

We have 40 acres too. My big shed has no run, my bantams do. Big question is what will you do if you have predation? A run can be a handy thing if you need to keep them safer. My bantams I can close their run at night to keep them safer.

We deal with predators as it happens. I can still lose birds while we are trying to put a stop to it. Thankfully it's been a few years. You don't technically need a run, it all depends on how you feel about your birds, and what you are going to do when someone comes looking for a meal, which will always happen.

 

[BrittanyTheYooper]

We have 40 acres too. My big shed has no run, my bantams do. Big question is what will you do if you have predation? A run can be a handy thing if you need to keep them safer. My bantams I can close their run at night to keep them safer.

We deal with predators as it happens. I can still lose birds while we are trying to put a stop to it. Thankfully it's been a few years. You don't technically need a run, it all depends on how you feel about your birds, and what you are going to do when someone comes looking for a meal, which will always happen.

I guess my plan is to live trap or shoot anything that comes too close. I still want to lock them up at night for sure. I am nervous about leaving them out when I’m at work but it’s that or keep them stuck in a run...

 

[imnukensc]

Only a couple acres here and just a few chickens (Barred Rocks), but surrounded by woods on three sides. Mine free range daily. I open the run about 9 AM and after they've put themselves on the roost about dark, I close the run. The pop door for the coop opens directly into the run. I can close it if I need to, but I leave it open 24/7. Mine don't really go into the woods, but are often scratching on the edge of the yard right next to the woods. If you feel the predator situation is bad enough you can always make them another fenced in area or expand your run.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I guess my plan is to live trap or shoot anything that comes too close. I still want to lock them up at night for sure. I am nervous about leaving them out when I’m at work but it’s that or keep them stuck in a run...

There are advantages to both ways. I'm willing to lose a few occasionally so that my birds aren't confined. Things like coyote can be very hard to catch and shoot. They are are worse concern. We provide lots of hiding spots, as well as fences for the other animals to slow predators down. Our donkeys for the most part keeps things at bay.

Some members have had their whole flocks decimated within a short amount of time. Others have no problems. Predators come and go. You may have no problems until you do.

When chickens used to ranging are suddenly confine to the coop they can turn aggressive on each other, so that's another thing to be aware of. A secure run is always a good thing to have in case you need it, but it isn't necessary.

 

[Mrs. K]

What I have found is:

• The more you free range, the farther they roam.
• A mature year old+ rooster will help with day time predation, if he is good, he should be the first one to see you when you approach. Not all roosters are good.
• I have serious predators, cloudy days or high wind days give the advantage to the predator
• I have a run that is big enough to confine my flock. Many people think free ranging can compensate for a too small set up, it really can’t.
• When you get hit, you will get hit again. I go into lock down and setting up live traps.
• You will loose birds and it is always your favorite
• Don’t set up a pattern, mine go out some days all day, some days part of a day, and some days not at all.
• The predators will often be watching you, and you don’t know they are there. Predators are opportunist.

Good luck
Mrs K

 

[BrittanyTheYooper]

What I have found is:

• The more you free range, the farther they roam.
• A mature year old+ rooster will help with day time predation, if he is good, he should be the first one to see you when you approach. Not all roosters are good.
• I have serious predators, cloudy days or high wind days give the advantage to the predator
• I have a run that is big enough to confine my flock. Many people think free ranging can compensate for a too small set up, it really can’t.
• When you get hit, you will get hit again. I go into lock down and setting up live traps.
• You will loose birds and it is always your favorite
• Don’t set up a pattern, mine go out some days all day, some days part of a day, and some days not at all.
• The predators will often be watching you, and you don’t know they are there. Predators are opportunist.

Good luck
Mrs K

Thank you so much! I haven’t seen any predators yet or had any try to get into the coop but I know they are there! I currently have a small Orpington who insists on being “tucked in” she’ll follow me until I pick her up and set her on her roost haha they better not eat that one!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! it's best to have a safe coop and run large enough to comfortably house your flock for two or three weeks at a time, during horrible weather, or when a raptor is visiting, or some other issue arises. Then, free ranging is great, especially on a varied time line as Mrs. K does. You will loose birds sometimes!
We lost ten nice laying hens one afternoon, to a sick fox. It was a very bad day, and our flock was on lockdown for two weeks, until that fox was killed.
Electric fencing, or electric poultry netting, works very well, and is a good compromise.
Mary

 

[BullMtnFords]

I've had chickens on 20 acres, for about 6 years. This year I have the most chickens I ever, 21. Never had anything to hold them bigger than a 3-4 bird extension pen, they've always been free range. I rescued a Hound dog a few years ago. If she smells anything that doesn't belong on 20 acres, she takes care of it. Years ago, there was a fox that made off with a few and stray dog took out 7 of my hens earlier this year. Like the difference between cat and dog owners, it depends on how much 'control' one desires. While I DO need to shovel, sweep poop off my back porch, to have, sell free range eggs, watch them play...Worth the loss. I have several boxes, lined with Straw the girls lay in. I DO NOT name my Birds, become attached to them. I did recently adopt 3 chicks, Tom, Jerry and Moe. HOPE to have a Larry and Curly next year...Theoretically, at least...