How to encourage them to venture out farther

[Steve B]

I have six, 8 week old hens that I just started giving some freedom to. I was worried they would venture too far and possibly get into trouble. We have 3.5 acres and have a neighbor within sight on only one side.

After letting them free on two afternoons the farthest they have been from their enclosed run/coop has only been about 12 feet. They often go back into their run area or lay down just outside of the opening.

Will it take a while before they venture out further? Should I encourage them to get farther away by luring them with food? The reason I want them to venture a little farther is so they can get some new worms and fertilize some areas away from their home base for a while to keep the odor down.

 

[sherrydeanne]

Mine did that for several weeks, and now they roam about 50 feet or so. I would just give them time to find things on their own.

 

[Southernbelle]

Mine used to stay pretty close to the coop, too, even as adults. The Leghorns used to roam pretty far away, but they were the only ones. You could build a tractor-like run that you could move to the areas you want them to pay attention to.

 

[Steve B]

Thanks. I have a tractor - so maybe I'll move it around a bit even with the door open to give them the idea.

The tractor is the white PVC portion below.