I finally let them free range!

[1acrefarm]

Amy Glad to hear your chickens are now freeranging a bit.


Quote:
You will have to watch them like a hawk. I live on an acre as well. Luckily mine do not get in the road (some will) but they do go on the wooded lot behind me and the neighbors yard. The neighbor does not seem to care but I keep them shooed back anyway. It helps keep them in the yard if I let them out at around 5pm. We have alot of hawks in Walton County so keep an eye out for them.

 

[annmarie]

Free-ranging is great and your chickens will love you forever for it, but one word of warning to those whose chickens freely range in the neighbors yard. Make sure your neighbors do not use pesticides/herbicides/chemical fertilizers. I've seen a porr little hen that got into a small area that was sprayed with Round-Up and I'll never get able to get it out of my mind.
That said, I do think free-ranging, at least for an hour or so a day is the best!

 

[SarahFair]

Quote:
You will have to watch them like a hawk. I live on an acre as well. Luckily mine do not get in the road (some will) but they do go on the wooded lot behind me and the neighbors yard. The neighbor does not seem to care but I keep them shooed back anyway. It helps keep them in the yard if I let them out at around 5pm. We have alot of hawks in Walton County so keep an eye out for them.

No way!
I live in Walton county also!
Howdy neighbor!

But yes they are REALLY bad over here.
I see probly 5-10 a day circling the woods and feilds around me.
I think they have claimed a kitten of mine

But I do live WELL off the road so that is plus!