Keeping Chickens Free Range

[OKVet]

Its definitely a risk when you own the predators.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

Hello!

I was hoping some here in the free range thread could give me a little advice!

We have 8 chicks that are a week and a half old. 4 Leghorns, non-sexed, 2 Barred Rock pullets and 2 Golden Laced Wyandotte pullets. Right now they are in a 4 foot round feed trough brooder.

I have an empty horse paddock I am hoping to convert into their home. There is a 20x15ft stall that is 15 feet tall. I am going to convert this to their coop for nighttime, and allow them to free range in the 1/2-3/4 acre field that is attached. I have two questions regarding this...


1. Trees. Is it desirable or not to have a tree in this paddock? I have a very large mesquite tree in the middle of this paddock. I thought it would be nice because it provides shade, shelter and dust bath areas, but.... it's also a large tree. I really want to keep the chickens in their coop at night. Is it fairly possible with due diligence to train the chickens to come inside at night and then as they grow and can get into the tree they will still come in? I am not climbing in a mesquite tree to get a chicken at dusk....

2. The paddock has standard three-board wood fencing. I am going to put hot wires between the rails and on the top. The fence is only 4 ft high. With this setup, would you clip the wings of your flock?


Thank you so much for the help!

If they cannot fly, I DON'T let them free range. IMHO, there is Too much opportunity for problems. I have free ranged for 5-6 yrs, No coup, and lost a few. Until they are able to fly, I Wouldn't trust the younger chick's safety. My 4-5 week olds are in a small pen outside, NOW that it's warm enough for them. They WILL come in this evening, Pen is FAR Too easy to get into.
My cats avoid the Adults chickens like the plague but the smaller Chicks? They look like toys. I've noticed that wild Critters will come around when I have the chicks outside. I think they can SMELL chicks... Dog & Rooster both ' tell me' we have someone too close for comfort. But if I'm not paying attention? Oops!

 

[OKVet]

So you free range and don't have a coop for them to shelter in at night?

 

[ShrekDawg]

My dogs are my biggest predator.  My hens have a 20 x 50' open run with a 4' farm fence.  They fairly regularly go over the fence and free range but can use their wings to help they hurry along when the dog spots them in the yard.  The other day two of my dogs worked together and they actually got one of the girls.  It is a risk for sure.

That sucks, sorry :/

Its definitely a risk when you own the predators. 

Definitely

 

[Tikkijane]

Hello! 

I was hoping some here in the free range thread could give me a little advice!

We have 8 chicks that are a week and a half old. 4 Leghorns, non-sexed, 2 Barred Rock pullets and 2 Golden Laced Wyandotte pullets. Right now they are in a 4 foot round feed trough brooder. 

I have an empty horse paddock I am hoping to convert into their home. There is a 20x15ft stall that is 15 feet tall. I am going to convert this to their coop for nighttime, and allow them to free range in the 1/2-3/4 acre field that is attached. I have two questions regarding this...


1. Trees. Is it desirable or not to have a tree in this paddock? I have a very large mesquite tree in the middle of this paddock. I thought it would be nice because it provides shade, shelter and dust bath areas, but.... it's also a large tree. I really want to keep the chickens in their coop at night. Is it fairly possible with due diligence to train the chickens to come inside at night and then as they grow and can get into the tree they will still come in? I am not climbing in a mesquite tree to get a chicken at dusk....

2. The paddock has standard three-board wood fencing. I am going to put hot wires between the rails and on the top. The fence is only 4 ft high. With this setup, would you clip the wings of your flock? 


Thank you so much for the help!

Absolutely DO NOT clip wings. If they only have a single tree, I'd add bushes for coverage. Hawks have no problem getting them. And summer......

They absolutely can be coop trained. I've got 100+ {Plus ducks and guineas} and they all come back at night. The exceptions are the few that sneak off to go broody until we track them and bring them in.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

So you free range and don't have a coop for them to shelter in at night?

In the past, I've only had 5-6 at a time. They roost where they want. I have 3 adults currently. They shelter behind a computer desk on the back porch. Have had some roost in trees, set on top of said table, in kitty carriers, firewood, etc. I have a Hutch, however it's beaten up. They haven't spent a lot of time in it so, usually, they're only curious with it. With as many chicks as I have NOW, May patch together the hutch, extension pen, old wood box, etc. so they are safe during the night.
My 6yr old Walker Hound is quite proactive of anything coming onto property. She loves human but when she smells something, she lets me KNOW and usually chases it down.
I know some think I am odd. I'm NOT wound so tight, I NEED everything 'Just so'.
I'm a bit off the beaten track, my chickens have FED a few wild animals, but also HAVE fresh eggs, MAKE a bit on Free Range eggs, when in town.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Out of curiosity, how do you collect the eggs with no coop and full free range? Or do you not? I feel like if I had a full free range flock their looks would be enough for me.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

Out of curiosity, how do you collect the eggs with no coop and full free range? Or do you not? I feel like if I had a full free range flock their looks would be enough for me.

Over the years, they usually lay in any straw lined pet carrier available. I have 3. If the dogs get to the eggs often enough, I have to search. Once, I didn't think they were laying, until I came across a big bucket, 20 gallon trough, toy keeper like bucket, lined with eggs. Another time, in a thick bush near the house.
Not like my DR doesn't want me to get more Exercise!

 

[OKVet]

In the past, I've only had 5-6 at a time. They roost where they want. I have 3 adults currently. They shelter behind a computer desk on the back porch. Have had some roost in trees, set on top of said table, in kitty carriers, firewood, etc. I have a Hutch, however it's beaten up. They haven't spent a lot of time in it so, usually, they're only curious with it. With as many chicks as I have NOW, May patch together the hutch, extension pen, old wood box, etc. so they are safe during the night.
My 6yr old Walker Hound is quite proactive of anything coming onto property. She loves human but when she smells something, she lets me KNOW and usually chases it down.
I know some think I am odd. I'm NOT wound so tight, I NEED everything 'Just so'.
I'm a bit off the beaten track, my chickens have FED a few wild animals, but also HAVE fresh eggs, MAKE a bit on Free Range eggs, when in town.

No judgment intended. I was just curious as to where they went at night.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Over the years, they usually lay in any straw lined pet carrier available. I have 3. If the dogs get to the eggs often enough, I have to search. Once, I didn't think they were laying, until I came across a big bucket, 20 gallon trough, toy keeper like bucket, lined with eggs. Another time, in a thick bush near the house.
Not like my DR doesn't want me to get more Exercise!      

Wow that's great they're still somewhat trained to lay in a familiar place! Pretty funny when they don't they although frustrating I imagine lol

Mine are pretty good about laying in the coop although one time I did find an egg or two under a bush.

The other day I only got 3 so I do wonder if they laid somewhere else but I have been watching them and with them the whole time for all 3 or 4 days they were out (only a few hours so not a big deal) and they didn't go hide somewhere so I guess they just didn't feel like laying that day lol