Help... Free ranging and neighbors?

[LaFleche]

I'm sorry.

They have a run (750 sq ft for 16 hens) and they sure enjoy the free ranging, so I feel bad keeping them in their grass-less run, but if I am not being a good person, and doing illegal stuff, then I will stop.

What is the difference between "at large" and "free range"? Im not sure what "at large" means.
Thanks!

"Free ranging" in my book would be: your hens roaming freely on your property, while "at large" means roaming wherever, out of your control and not on your property.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

"Free ranging" in my book would be: your hens roaming freely on your property, while "at large" means roaming wherever, out of your control and not on your property.

^^^ and that's how the law tends to define "At Large" as well. Off Property AND Off Leash/Halter/etc"

 

[LaFleche]

^^^ and that's how the law tends to define "At Large" as well. Off Property AND Off Leash/Halter/etc"

Yes, I see that you beat me to it with your post.

Although here in Germany the laws are different and you would not be allowed to

statues and ordinances regarding wild and dangerous animals allow the taking (or killing) of "at large" creatures by any property owner on their own lands.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Yes, I see that you beat me to it with your post.

Although here in Germany the laws are different and you would not be allowed to

US laws are tending away from killing now too, unless the animal is observed doing damage to other livestock or property. Some places are even restricting taking, turning the legal authority for that over to the Animal Control and Law Enforcement. Just wanted to make OP aware that the consequences for the flock when they are At Large can be both quite dire and legally pre-approved.

 

[VirginiaFarmerGirl]

We have a zip tie dome, and we move it daily, so they are on fresh grass each day. It's not free-ranging but it's very close to it. This is the one we have https://www.ziptiedomes.com/chicken-coop-kits/13-ft-chicken-coop-kit.htm

It comes in a bigger size too.

 

[VirginiaFarmerGirl]

But honestly, if your neighbors are cool with it, anyone else can just shove it.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Thank you everyone. I’m not really trying to let them be “at large” (that’s what I’m trying to fix)

Tgey usually only go in that one neighbors yard. Why I will never understand.

I guess what my original question was “is there a way to train them to not go there without building a fence or using thousands of mealworms, but I might just put a quick mesh wall up to discourage them going into the others yard.

By NO means will I ever be getting rid of my flock. I just like seeing them happy, and one of those ways is free ranging. I love my birds so much and love to spoil them, but I don’t want to be doing illegal things.

Anyway, thanks for all the help!

 

[Lemon-Drop]

We have a zip tie dome, and we move it daily, so they are on fresh grass each day. It's not free-ranging but it's very close to it. This is the one we have https://www.ziptiedomes.com/chicken-coop-kits/13-ft-chicken-coop-kit.htm

It comes in a bigger size too.

I like that... though it is on the pricy side.

 

[Geena]

Thank you everyone. I’m not really trying to let them be “at large” (that’s what I’m trying to fix)

Tgey usually only go in that one neighbors yard. Why I will never understand.

I guess what my original question was “is there a way to train them to not go there without building a fence or using thousands of mealworms, but I might just put a quick mesh wall up to discourage them going into the others yard.

By NO means will I ever be getting rid of my flock. I just like seeing them happy, and one of those ways is free ranging. I love my birds so much and love to spoil them, but I don’t want to be doing illegal things.

Anyway, thanks for all the help!

I doubt you'd ever be able to train them to stay in your yard, even with a bazillion meal worms. Chickens just kinda wander around where ever their feet may take them.
Even if your neighbor is okay with it for now, that's likely to change once they get to landscaping their yard and gardens and pooping everywhere.
Also keep in mind, when they are roaming around free like that they are much more likely to be taken by predators as well.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I doubt you'd ever be able to train them to stay in your yard, even with a bazillion meal worms. Chickens just kinda wander around where ever their feet may take them.
Even if your neighbor is okay with it for now, that's likely to change once they get to landscaping their yard and gardens and pooping everywhere.
Also keep in mind, when they are roaming around free like that they are much more likely to be taken by predators as well.

After spending a ton of time, I have been able to train mine (just like you can train a dog if you are willing to take the time) to free range my front yard (no fence) even if I am not there, with very few disobedient chickens. Don't believe me, ask my neighbors and there kids.