Hi new to BYC;-)

[seashells]

Greetings from Rancho Cucamonga glad to be here lots of useful info, me and my husband have 4 chickens for about a year that are free range. Two days ago my husband found one if the girls passed away in the yard not sure what happened no signs of trauma not sure if I should free range them or lock them up they are my babies and I can't bare to loose another.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, seashells, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Sorry, however, to hear about your loss! If you don't see a mark on your bird (and no feathers lying around near the bird) it could be that it just died. Sometimes a bird just cashes it in from disease or just because. I always balanced the risks with the rewards when free ranging. I typically only do so when I am around or not going to be gone for very long. I can't say I've never lost a bird but I know overall my flock has been happier - chasing bugs, scratching around, and eating greens, than if they had been in the coop and run only all day long. To each their own I guess. Good luck to you!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

I tend to think if the chickens haven't been free ranged for a long time, they won't miss it. Just make their run as large as possible and hopefully have it include some natural features to explore, fallen branches, bushes, small rock pile etc. and plenty of weeds.