Just a general question...

[MotherOfChickens]

I have 7 chickens. 3 are over a year old and 4 are only 7 weeks old.... None of mine free range.

So my question is, how do you not worry about them, "Flying the coop"? lol... I am so scared to let my chickens just run around because I am afraid they might "run away" lol

 

[chickengirl778]

Most people just watch their chickens as they free range, but if yours aren't at all tame you might not want to free range. However, if you can teach them to come when called for treats, it might be ok!!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Most people just watch their chickens as they free range, but if yours aren't at all tame you might not want to free range. However, if you can teach them to come when called for treats, it might be ok!!

My older girls, they are a little over a year old. And as long as they think I have food in my hands, lol, they would follow me to the ends of the earth. I have a 6 ft fence... I just don't know if they could fly over it???

 

[Granny Hatchet]

Its just in their nature to not wander far from home. Creatures of habit bring them back to their roosts at night. 7 weeks is too young IMO to free range . Predators is a different problem and the reason my dont free range.

 

[chickengirl778]

Are there any bantams? They could probably clear it but other than that a bigger breed probably couldn't.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Its just in their nature to not wander far from home. Creatures of habit bring them back to their roosts at night. 7 weeks is too young IMO to free range . Predators is a different problem and the reason my dont free range.

I agree about the babies being too young. We have red tail hawks that are always waiting for a quick fly-thru meal. My older girls, I would never let them be outside their run alone. But I just don't think I can bring myself to free range them. lol, I don't want them to run away or get gotten!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Are there any bantams? They could probably clear it but other than that a bigger breed probably couldn't.

No. The 3 hens are Australorps. The babies are only 7 weeks old, but they are large breeds too, Welsummer and Speckled Sussex

 

[Sylie]

No. The 3 hens are Australorps. The babies are only 7 weeks old, but they are large breeds too, Welsummer and Speckled Sussex

I agree that the LF breeds, most likely, would not be able to get over a 6ft fence. You usually figure they can, if they are lucky, clear a 3ft fence but they'd need a good running start. They can't maintain that height either (I have heard of chickens getting into and roosting in full blown trees but I don't think that's very common) So if they jump a little too soon, they'll crash into the fence. They just have too much body for those wings. I have a 2 ft high run extension with a roof, when I open the roof, 1 of them CAN clear it but she struggles, the others won't even attempt it.

 

[Chickygirl63]

How old is do you let them free range...also If you have a huge rooster ..to consider them safe around him

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I agree that the LF breeds, most likely, would not be able to get over a 6ft fence. You usually figure they can, if they are lucky, clear a 3ft fence but they'd need a good running start. They can't maintain that height either (I have heard of chickens getting into and roosting in full blown trees but I don't think that's very common) So if they jump a little too soon, they'll crash into the fence. They just have too much body for those wings. I have a 2 ft high run extension with a roof, when I open the roof, 1 of them CAN clear it but she struggles, the others won't even attempt it.

Well, maybe this fall (after my garden is spent) I will let them free range a lil bit... While I am out there of course lol