Keeping Chickens Free Range

[Tikkijane]

Nice coop!  I would keep them in the coop for about a week, just so they are comfortable in their new home.  You said you have pullets, no cockerel?  I find that my cockerels are always the ones telling the ladies when it is time for bed.  Most of the time they listen, but like all women (myself included) the pullets sometimes have a mind of their own.  Anyway, keep in for a week and then let them out a little longer every day.  Make sure during that first week that you are giving them lots of treats so that they learn the sound of the worm bag, jar or bucket that you are using for treat time.  That way, if they do happen to be wandering too late at night, you can give a shake of the treat container and they will come running.

Good luck!

Even all girls will put themselves to bed. 2 different aged flocks, both brooded inside- would line up at the door at night. If we were late, they'd knock.
Open the door, and they would parade in through the sunroom, past the kitchen eating area, through the kitchen, through the living room, and then would hop up and put themselves to bed in the brooder. It only takes a little bit if repetition for them to figure it out.

 

[fancychick1]

This is their favorite hangout which is right off the deck. I'm always talking to them (my family thinks I'm crazy) lol but I tell them they are nosey because when someone comes out on the deck I don't care where they are in the yard they have to come up on the deck to see what they are doing. I love them they are such a friendly flock and have really become part of the family.

 

[fancychick1]

This is their favorite hangout which is right off the deck. I'm always talking to them (my family thinks I'm crazy) lol but I tell them they are nosey because when someone comes out on the deck I don't care where they are in the yard they have to come up on the deck to see what they are doing. I love them they are such a friendly flock and have really become part of the family.

Sorry forgot the picture.

 

[QueenBubbles]

Adorable flock - mine like to hang out with me on the patio, too, but I'm their favorite perch!

 

[fancychick1]

Adorable flock - mine like to hang out with me on the patio, too, but I'm their favorite perch!

I had one that like to sit on me but she mysteriously died. The other ones will hang out and let you pet them but they won't sit on you.

 

[Family Farming]

Great picture!

 

[QueenBubbles]

FanciChick1: Sorry to hear you lost yours that liked to sit on you - sometimes I wonder about Red being so quiet and extra responsive to me, because they try so hard to hide illness from others. But they all have their chickenalities - hopefully you'll get another one that is a snuggler!

 

[lilstarshine7]

Hi yall. Mine love free range. I let them out in the morning and at 7 I go out and they are on there roosts in the coop. I have lots of bushes around our property and they love hanging out in them. I do not have a predator problem, thank goodness. A hawk from time to time, but they rush to the bushes and so far no problems. I was told that when you have chickens , expect a loss. I find they are happier and healthier. They have gotten to the point they wont touch the chicken feed, even when I have to leave them cooped because of not being at home, they barely touch it, so it has lowered my feed bill. I do not let them free range when I am not here, I just feel better knowing they are safe in there coop when I am gone, although they are pretty good at finding safe place to hunker down. We have a cat that is an outside cat, he will try and stalk them at times but the rooster quickly put him in his place. I do not think he would hurt them, and when they all start flapping there wings and chattering, he makes a beeline for the porch...lol.

 

[Aquamarine]

I've had my flock in the coop training them this past week. I have 6 pullets and 2 roos (I've got 3 more pullets coming ) Planning on letting them out next week little by little. I've seen a hawk, I believe it's a redtail....but I've also seen the regular birds shoo it out of the area too. I'm just hoping my girls catch on quick and know when to run for cover under the trees. I've got a lot on my property around the perimeter. They come to me already in the coop when I call them...we've been practicing. Lol.

 

[Cuccismith]

Sorry forgot the picture.

My chickens do the same! hangout on the pool furniture and rest... we love them so much too! Pets!!!