Hey all you free-ranging newbies! Come look at this!

[cluckmecoop7]

I am completely new to free ranging, and I'm scared to death about predators! So, I finally found a great way to start out! This is what I do:

I have a big metal old dog cage, which I use for my chickens. I catch a chicken from the run, and put her in the cage. I go back and catch her a buddy to range with. Then, I leave them both in the cage for a few minutes to calm down. Then I open the cage and let them come out. With I say with them at all times, and watch the sky for hawks and other birds of prey. I also keep a eye on the surrounding woods, for foxes and other animals that like chickens for lunch. Even though I'm not expecting to have a fox come in the middle of the day, I still keep a watch.

I do this 1 or 2 times a day with different chickens. This is such a good way to keep them safe, but still let them 'free range'. I might go up to having three chickens out soon, but for now I'm sticking with two. Sense my chickens are very dear loved pets, I DON'T want to loose any. This is also a good way to watch the chickens your free ranging closely, and see if they have any health problems. So far, I'm loving it. I like to give my chickens a little change once in a while.

Thanks for reading,
Cluckmecoop7

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Ok, well yes. But I don't have the money or time for that.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

...and it's fun watching them. They are my pets.

 

[drumstick diva]

I like to err on the side of safety

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I like to err on the side of safety

So what do you mean by that? You like my idea?

 

[Julesstarohio56]

I have my first flock, too. I was enjoying having my first or second (sometimes third) cup of coffee every morning outside with them. Keeping track of them was interesting, but not too hard. THEN they started to lay eggs! I’d love to let the non-layers out, but how do you catch yours?

 

[centrarchid]

You may be a point where entire group can be released late in day for an hour or two of free-range time before they retreat back to coop to roost. It will require less stress on you and especially the birds that are being handled. I have some groups in orchard that are fed so pens run out of feed before I let them out. Then birds are released about 5:30 PM where they can run about for a couple of hours as I do yard work. Here they have dogs watching over them as well. Most go back to respective pens on their own as roosting time approaches. Those that do not are lured back with a treat. Then pens are shut up for the night.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I have my first flock, too. I was enjoying having my first or second (sometimes third) cup of coffee every morning outside with them. Keeping track of them was interesting, but not too hard. THEN they started to lay eggs! I’d love to let the non-layers out, but how do you catch yours?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

You may be a point where entire group can be released late in day for an hour or two of free-range time before they retreat back to coop to roost. It will require less stress on you and especially the birds that are being handled. I have some groups in orchard that are fed so pens run out of feed before I let them out. Then birds are released about 5:30 PM where they can run about for a couple of hours as I do yard work. Here they have dogs watching over them as well. Most go back to respective pens on their own as roosting time approaches. Those that do not are lured back with a treat. Then pens are shut up for the night.

Thanks!