Keeping Chickens Free Range

[vpatt]

I hope these little ones stay warm and soon begin to free range with Mama.

 

[Tikkijane]

Lol! That's so funny. I'd love to see chickens chasing snowflakes. We don't get too many chances for that here.

My head roo was getting royally ticked. He kept calling for the girls, but he couldn't give the flakes he caught to them. I felt bad for laughing, but it was hilarious.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'd have enjoyed that show. too bad you didn't get it on camera.

 

[chicksurreal]

My head roo was getting royally ticked. He kept calling for the girls, but he couldn't give the flakes he caught to them. I felt bad for laughing, but it was hilarious.

OMG! Too funny!

 

[Tikkijane]

I'd have enjoyed that show.  too bad you didn't get it on camera.

Me too! I'll have to be ready this year. Lolololol.

 

[ChickyChickens]

I have finally received my incubators in which I plan on hatching more chickens to increase my flock!!!

ANyway...one of the chicks just hatched!!! Yes, I did just receive my incubator today but one of the broodies decided she wanted to leave the nest with her other chicks so I put those eggs in the bator!!! One has finally hatched!!

 

[Beccaroo]

yes, chickens are most docile at night. this is when they roost and sleep. I've had chickens / roosters now for 4-5 years, personally, I, because of the egg laying, would not let them "free range", not out in in my main yard. We have a large hen yard for them to play in during the day and then they have their henhouse for egg laying and sleeping. But as far as moving her, best thing is to wait until she is done with her broodiness then move her back to a nest / henhouse / henyard...

 

[dpenning]

And then there were 5....
So when I began this adventure I really thought 3 laying hens would produce enough eggs for my husband and myself. We bought 6 thinking there may be some early losses as chics. They all made it to adulthood and began laying.

My situation is a bit unusual in that the chickens live at our country property so we only see them Fri-Monday. They are on their own during the week. They are in a very sturdy shed with an automatic pop door and their "run" is an electric fence that sets boundaries but has a chute they can go down to get out to the rest of the property. It is more of a deterrent for my dogs and to give the girls a safe zone.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I came back and one of my Australorps was gone. No idea what happened to her, didn't see any evidence but it could have happened early in the week and blown away if it was just feathers.

So I've had my first free range loss. They have been ranging over about 10 acres, I wonder if they will stay closer to home now.

In the spring I'll get a roo and a few more breeds. 3 hens would be plenty for my family, but the folks at work are now clamoring for eggs.

 

[FL Crowing Hen]

And then there were 5....
So when I began this adventure I really thought 3 laying hens would produce enough eggs for my husband and myself.  We bought 6 thinking there may be some early losses as chics.  They all made it to adulthood and began laying. 

My situation is a bit unusual in that the chickens live at our country property so we only see them Fri-Monday.  They are on their own during the week.  They are in a very sturdy shed with an automatic pop door and their "run" is an electric fence that sets boundaries but has a chute they can go down to get out to the rest of the property. It is more of a deterrent  for my dogs and to give the girls a safe zone. 

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I came back and one of my Australorps was gone.  No idea what happened to her, didn't see any evidence but it could have happened early in the week and blown away if it was just feathers. 

So I've had my first free range loss.  They have been ranging over about 10 acres, I wonder if they will stay closer to home now.

In the spring I'll get a roo and a few more breeds.  3 hens would be plenty for my family, but the folks at work are now clamoring for eggs.

Sorry to hear about your hen.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

In the spring I'll get a roo and a few more breeds. 3 hens would be plenty for my family, but the folks at work are now clamoring for eggs.

Yeah, I have folks i pass eggs onto also. I thought seriously of getting more chickens however have heard, when one SELLS eggs, IF the FDA catches on, they can give you a hard time about what you feed, immunize, supplement, a WHOLE variety of crap. I keep it quiet, usually exchange for empty egg boxes. FREE RANGE are SO much more tastier eggs! Your co-workers have a big plus with you.
So Sorry for your loss. Part of the deal….