How long should my new Chickens stay in pen before free ranging?

[MyShunshyn]

Hi, I am new to raising Chickens and have done alot of research but I still have a question. I plan on allowing my flock to free range on our property, 4 acres, but I am not sure how long I should keep them confined to the coop/pen to help insure that they will return at night to be safe. Is this possible? I think it is but just not sure of the specifics of "training" them
Here is a pic of our coop under construction. We have used some reclaimed vinyl fencing to block the west and north winds and the brutal west sun in the Summer and now we are preparing to build the panels for the South and East sides. The coop is a reclaimed storage shed that already had 2 shelves that will be perfect for the nesting boxes and an open side for the roosts.
My babies will be arriving at the end of April so we need to get to work! I am getting 5 Rhode Island Reds, 5 Plymouth Barred Rocks and 5 EEs plus one EE roo.. we can't wait!

 

[EweSheep]

A week sounds good. Two weeks are better but they will be fine in that setup!

Great job!

 

[MyShunshyn]

WOW! Thanks. For the compliment....I really wanted to do it right. So only a couple of weeks huh? Awesome! I might just go three weeks to be sure they get the routine.


THANKS AGAIN!

 

[drumstick diva]

x 2 also when they first start free ranging they usually stay close to the coop. They gradually increase the distance as they feel more comfortable being farther from home. If they find what they like nearby they may not roam very far.

 

[aggie9296]

Agree with above. My 3 month old pullets learned where the coop was after only 1 week of confinement. Now if they would just start laying...