I have birds that keep wandering in the road! Please Help!

[Gooseface]

Well I think you have your answer. Not much else to say here.
1) Build a bigger run
2) Build a fence around your property with hot wires to keep the chickens from jumping the fence
3) reduce your numbers and make due with the run you have
4) leave them as is and face the probability of losing more to traffic.

I don’t think you are going to find a way to “train” them not to go into the road.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Do you have picture of your set-up? Someone may be able to help you with a way to expand your run without breaking the bank.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

Do you have picture of your set-up? Someone may be able to help you with a way to expand your run without breaking the bank.

I do, but it'll take a minute. Thank you all so much for being so helpful. I don't think there's going to be an easy way to do this.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

You could potentially just hotwire the road side of the property, but honestly it sounds like you've built yourself a system that just can't be sustained.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

The run is a little different now, with mounted nesting boxes on the back wall, and more paneling to block out the wind, and more roosts were added. The small coop is where the silkies live because they were bullied in the run, and its where the chicks also stay before they're big enough for the run.

 

[bobbi-j]

I don't think there's going to be an easy way to do this.

You’re right. Basically what it boils down to is, put up a better fence or reduce your number of birds. You would be liable if one of your chickens caused a car accident. That could be very expensive. It would also be a lot on your shoulders if someone were badly injured because of that.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

You’re right. Basically what it boils down to is, put up a better fence or reduce your number of birds. You would be liable if one of your chickens caused a car accident. That could be very expensive. It would also be a lot on your shoulders if someone were badly injured because of that.

Yes, I think I'm going to sell some birds and remodel the run, and no more free ranging, as much as it pains me to see them just cooped up all day, it's the best option for me right now.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

honestly it sounds like you've built yourself a system that just can't be sustained.

It's true, and I'm very dissapointed in myself for it. And now I've got to suck it up and pay the consequences.

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

The first birds you sell should be the ones that go out into the road the most. No sense keeping the bad actors if you have some that stay home.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's true, and I'm very dissapointed in myself for it. And now I've got to suck it up and pay the consequences.

It’s easy to get in that position. Adding a few here and there, maybe let a broody hatch, and the next thing you know, you’re out of space. I currently have 27 chickens. I plan to be down to a dozen by winter.