How old to free range?

[itsazoo]

My chicklets are 10 weeks old today. I'm wondering how old they should be before letting them free range around the farm all day unsupervised. When I let them out in the evenings (under supervision) they stay really close to or under the big pine trees & bushes near the coop (that all have branches to the ground so they're really good cover).

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks!

 

[Judy]

You might consider, if you have roos, waiting til the roos show signs of being protective toward their flock.

I don't think there is any should to it. Some of mine free range, some not. It's a personal choice. I like them to have the freedom but I don't like the losses. I had losses til they were about 6 months old, 6 months ago. I don't know whether the remaining ones are smarter, or the two extra dogs are keeping the predators at bay.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

I have been free ranging mine 3 and half to 4 months old.

 

[The Chicken People]

I let mine free range all day as long as I am home! They do fine and they are 12 weeks old i have been doing this for about 3 or 4 weeks! My roo is acting protective!

 

[tackyrama]

I have two groups of chicks and one still in the brooder. I let mine out full time on their own at six weeks, no prob. The first day they don't venture far with some not even getting out. After that its a little farther everyday. After two weeks they were out 200 yards with the big ones. We have 20 acres with most wooded but about 5 acres open right in front of the coop so they have a choice of where to go. They liked the woods better at first but now go either. They have good instincts as to what to eat and where home is. I also have a very good rooster to call alarms if they would only listen! They are learning to heed him by watching the older hens. Good Luck

 

[speckledhen]

Duplicate thread. Answer here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=200848