How old before allowing chicks free range?

[feltingfrenzy]

My Barred Rock and Silver Laced Wyandottes are now 6-weeks old, and they have been in the coop and adjoining covered day yard for 3 weeks. When can I let them out to free range with expectations that they will return to the coop to roost around dusk?

Thanks in advance,

Nan in VA

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I would assume that if they have been sleeping in the coop for three weeks now that they think of it as home already. If it were me I would let me out about an hour or so before they go to bed and supervise them that way they can have a little adventure and you can make sure they make good choices.