Inherited hens and a coop. When to let them free range?

[chelsika]

Hello everyone!

As of Sunday, I am the proud owner of my own flock! I inherited the girls and their coop after someone's passing. We relocated them Sunday night and have built a temporary run until we are able to put up the permanent fencing.

My question (one of many to come, I'm sure) is when can I allow them to free range? They have put themselves to bed both nights at 8pm, and have been laying. I've noticed bully behavior (pecking, feather pulling, pushing smaller ones off of the feed) and am wondering if it's because they have always been allowed to free range during the day, and now they have been confined to their coop and run for 2 days and as a result - they are bored and frustrated.

I'm assuming they know where "home" is since that has been their coop their entire lives.

Would it be safe to let them roam this weekend?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[Honey B]

Fairly new to chickens, but the advice I was given was to wait a week before free ranging. Your situation is rather unique so not sure if this advice would apply. Might try hanging cabbage or constructing a rolling treat dispenser to alleviate boredom. Good luck and congrats on your new flock.

 

[blkjak]

I would let them out later in the day when time before nightfall is limited and you are there to observe. They should come back to roost and not stray too far from home.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Welcome to BYC! I second blkjak's advice. Once you know that they'll go up at night (and I'm sure they will) you can decide how much free ranging time to allow on a normal basis.

 

[chelsika]

That's great to hear! The girls haven't missed a beat with their routine after the move, and I feel that by Saturday or Sunday I'll be able to let them out late afternoon when I'm home to supervise.

Thanks everyone!