Is it cruel to free range 4 out of 8 chickens

[junebuggena]

Hi @chickens really , I really like your set-up. Do your chickens jump that low fence? I'm considering making an extended run that's only 4ft high. I know my chickens could fly over 4ft if they tried, but do they mostly just hang out inside the string fence if they are content?

Or do you clip their feathers?

Part of my run is a 3 foot fence. Yes, they can fly over. But they don't usually. 99% of the time, they are perfectly content to hang out in their run.

 

[chickens really]

Quote: Hello....No I never clip wings and on occasion one might pop over in flight but it works great! They will stay in or at least mine do...It is an electric fence but I have never had power to it....I only allow them out in the run if I am home and sit with them...I have a Fox problem and a Duck hating Chicken problem...Haha!!


I should say that to the right of the coop hidden in the trees is an enclosed run that is predator proof....Just so no one thinks my birds are coop bound all day long....

Thanks for liking my set up....I like it too!

Cheers!

 

[chickens really]

My enclosed run.....

Cheers!

 

[kie4]

My enclosed run.....

Cheers!

Look perfect @chickens really ! Now I'm thinking of putting up something similar. It would be much easier than my original idea of putting quickrete into the ground with 4x4s, 2x4s between then welded wire.

Is this the net you used? [link]

 

[chickens really]

Quote: Yes, It looks to be the same as mine...120 foot pen? It has been a life saver for my birds....As I said I sit with them when out to free range the net fencing....It works.....

Glad you really like my set up....Thank you so much....

Cheers!