Keeping Chickens Free Range

[SmColorInDaPan]

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) keeping them in until they lay means once they start don't let them out in the morning until they've all laid their eggs. This may mean just afternoon/evening ranging if you aren't there during the day to let them out. Mine get range time from the time my hubby gets home from work until dark and then all day when I'm home on weekends or in the summer.

*******You Rock Kat!*******
Mountain Pea- EXACTLY AS ABOVE. Got my tongue wrapped around my eyetooth, couldn't see what I was saying.

Another thought, they've been in the coop this long, they're comfortable, will go back there to lay. May have one or 2 rebels...Sounds like You already have a knack for when to let them out, You're fine.

 

[MountainPea]

Awesome

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

Our girls have it pretty good here!

Not You, Me. What I say in my head doesn't come out the same via mouth or fingers....that Didn't sound much better....

NICE Place!
I better keep away from the keyboard for a bit....

 

[katatonic123]

I interpret 3rd grade gibberish on a daily basis. What you said was fairly easy to understand and explain.

  *******You Rock Kat!*******
Mountain Pea- [COLOR=A52A2A]EXACTLY AS ABOVE[/COLOR].  Got my tongue wrapped around my eyetooth, couldn't see what I was saying.

    Another thought, they've been in the coop this long, they're comfortable, will go back there to lay. May have one or 2 rebels...Sounds like You already have a knack for when to let them out, You're fine.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

I interpret 3rd grade gibberish on a daily basis. What you said was fairly easy to understand and explain.

Thanks, I think....

 

[vpatt]

I left this morning at about 8 am for about an hour and a half. When i got back Honeycutt was laying near where i park and not moving. When i went to check he moved, but he is not walking very well. Julio is under the porch steps with the girls. Joe and Little Guy are no where to be seen and i think a hen is missing. I will get a better count when they go in tonight. How sad. Honeycutt does not want to be picked up so i dont know what to do. He has some bloody spots on one foot and leg and ruffled feathers. I walked around and i found a few feathers from one chicken. So the feathers are either from Joe or Honeycutt or both as they both have barred feathers.

We just found Joe in the backyard. He wasnt there earlier. He doesn't look good. We put him in the shade on the porch. Honeycutt is looking a little better. Little Guy has not shown up and i think that leaves 3 hens. Boone (grandson) is here. He is looking around with the gun. He asked about dogs......but i havent seen any around. I know there are foxes on the property.

 

[katatonic123]

What I meant was compared to them you were easy to figure out.

Thanks, I think....

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

I left this morning at about 8 am for about an hour and a half. When i got back Honeycutt was laying near where i park and not moving. When i went to check he moved, but he is not walking very well. Julio is under the porch steps with the girls. Joe and Little Guy are no where to be seen and i think a hen is missing. I will get a better count when they go in tonight. How sad. Honeycutt does not want to be picked up so i dont know what to do. He has some bloody spots on one foot and leg and ruffled feathers. I walked around and i found a few feathers from one chicken. So the feathers are either from Joe or Honeycutt or both as they both have barred feathers.

We just found Joe in the backyard. He wasnt there earlier. He doesn't look good. We put him in the shade on the porch. Honeycutt is looking a little better. Little Guy has not shown up and i think that leaves 3 hens. Boone (grandson) is here. He is looking around with the gun. He asked about dogs......but i havent seen any around. I know there are foxes on the property.

I am so sorry to hear of your Loss. My condolences. Quick in and out, sounds like a fox. GOOD LUCK hunting that predator DOWN!

Had mine out most of day. When sun dipped behind mountain, they were in the hutch again. NOT happy I took them from there into the house, but they were there. A LOT of help for me!

I'm betting that's were they will lay. Caught dogs snatching current layer's eggs, Mon, Tues.. Today, I guess cause I was outside, they left the egg alone..... Hen comes around when chicks are out which I THINK, annoys the Rooster. Now his Little Rooster self, Mini Bantam, goes after me, the chicks... He realizes he will have more to look after, is he getting ornery?!

 

[vpatt]

Thank you.

We are wondering about coyotes......anyone have experience with them? We know there are coyotes around. Do foxes hunt together that way? The final count of the missing is two roosters and two hens. Joe and Honeycutt made it through the night, but i have no experience with injuries so i dont know what to expect.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

I think for the most part foxes hunt alone (maybe breeding pairs?) But coyotes probably would have wiped your flock, and not left as many wounded.
Make sure you look for ways to fix your problem before you let them out again, it will be back.