If I let my chickens out today, will they expect the same tomorrow?

[Blueeyez]

I keep my chickens in a fairly large fenced area. Although they are possibly capable of flying over the fence, they haven't tried it yet (knock on wood). Their pen is in my backyard which is also fenced well. I've been thinking about letting them run loose in the whole back yard on days that I'm home to keep an eye on them. But, that's where my concern comes in.... If I let them do that sometimes, but not all the time, would that encourage them to attempt to fly the fence because they will know the grass really is greener on the other side? Lol I don't want to do it if it will start a problem, because like I say, I won't be able to do it every day.... But if it wouldn't cause them to expect to be let out there every day, it would be great for them to work on getting rid of bugs in the back yard! Thanks

 

[Delaneygraces]

I have Modern Bantams that live in a pen in my garage (they are show birds, ther for I do not what them affected my the weather) but they used to get put into a divided pen outside, with 1-2 birds in each, for some grass and sunshine. Well, I felt they were too crowded one hot day, so I decided “why not just let them roam while I here to watch them?” Well sure enough the next day they didn’t like being penned back into those drop pens. Long story short, they might want to go back out, if I were you I’d let them out one day you are there, and the next day make sure you are there to watch them, and see what they do. It also may not be a terrible idea to put a net over the top of your coop/run! It will keep them in if that’s what you want, and it’ll keep out birds of prey! (Or any predator for that matter) I think it just depends on how much yours birds like being out, and how often they are treated to being let out. Good luck with them! I have to go make lunch...AGIAN. I burnt my first pot of Fettuccine

 

[BlackHackle]

I don't know if chickens think that deeply

 

[Delaneygraces]

I don't know if chickens think that deeply

Most of the time I believe that 100%,but then they’ll jump out and surprise by doing something Incredibly smart, then I seriusoly have to sit down and think about what my chickens really do know

 

[BlackHackle]

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't think they'll escape just to be on the other side of the fence, but what they might do is pace by the run gate, giving you the stink eye, while clucking their loud disapproval, if you don't let them out at the expected time.

 

[HillBilly64]

What she said ...mine look very disgruntled when I don't open the gate.

Mine get out about 3:30 on week days when I get home, and on the weekends it's closer to lunch time (depending on egg numbers). But any time I'm up there they head to the gate and fuss around hoping I'll let them out.

 

[diamondsilkies]

I try to let mine out whenever I can, but it's pretty irregular. I have noticed that if there's a week where I can let them out every day, they will all cluster at the door when I go out there, and try to sneak through my legs if I don't let them out. But if they aren't let out for several days in a row for long periods of time, they usually don't try to escape. Of course, my coop has a roof and no other possible escape routes besides the door, so maybe you'll have a different experience. I would also agree that putting some netting over the top wouldn't be a bad idea.

One thing I do with mine is before I start letting new chickens outside, I click my tongue whenever I give them treats. They learn that that noise means to come to me, and then when I let them out to free range, I can call them back in. It's also good for if you're watching them free range and see a predator, then you have a quick way to get them all inside. Of course, if you stop giving them treats when you make that noise, they won't come as quickly. But I continue to do it whenever I have food, and let me tell you, 20 chickens sprinting full speed at you from all corners of the yard is quite a sight.

 

[ChickenRelatedUserName]

If you don't have a top over their run, predators can get in with ease anyway. So does it matter which side of the fence they are on when you're not home?

 

[Chickassan]

Agree, if you do it once just keep doing it or risk eternal stank eye.