Keeping Chickens Free Range

[Sylviaanne]

My broody had a nest in some tall grass. When I found it, it was about to rain really hard. I cut a door in one of those large plastic bins with a top and put some bedding in it. My husband picked her up and tucked her inside his raincoat while I quickly put all the eggs (18!) in the bin. I placed the bin in a small, quiet outbuilding with the opening facing a blank wall, about 4 inches away. We quietly settled her in on the eggs. In the morning I lifted the lid, and she was still sitting, in that trance-like state, so I moved the box further from the wall and placed food and water in front of it. About 5 days later, they started to hatch. Fifteen babies, and all still thriving free ranging with their mom a month later. I don't know if this would work with every hen, but it worked really well for me. I think the key is to do it at night. I once slipped a chick that hatched a day after all the others under the wing of a different hen at night, and she never noticed in the morning.

Mine didn't work out so well. After not having a predator problem for several months, something got her and 2 of her eggs. Later we trapped a raccoon. These are pictures of the 2 I hatched in an incubator. A boy and girl, the girl has the darker head. Buff Orpington for mother and Crested Polish for dad.

 

[cglessner]

I free range my chickens during the day. I feed and water them in their run and they always go back to their house to roost at night and to lay their eggs, which makes me very happy. Their egggs have very rich, orange yolks and are delish! They love the freedom and rush out when I open the run gate. I am concerned about hawks and eagles and now I have a new worry - coyotes , my neighbor saw 3 coyotes in the field next to our run. Are coyotes nocturnal predators? Should I keep my girls penned up?.
.

 

[duluthralphie]

I know this will not be popular in some segments of the population here, so please just take it as an idea.

If predators become too big of a problem, I suggest a predator call, which sounds like a wounded rabbit or some other small game a predator cannot resist. I use a 17 cal. rifle with mine.

Just remember they always come in up wind, so be aware of your placement and concealment spot. They will pull a predator from a fairly large area, larger than the area our chickens roam.

( also make sure it is legal where you live, it is here)


Coyotes are early morning and late evening feeders, but I have gotten them in the middle of the day too.

 

[farmlady1]

Here is a tip on calming your chickens after you catch them.

Once you catch your chicken, turn them over, laying their back in the palm of your hand. With the other hand gently stroke their tummy. For some reason this puts them into a calming trance and you will see their heads fall forward and rest on the upper chest.

Our chickens love this. It seems everytime they are touched they want to be held and when you hold them they want to lay on their back with their tummy stroked.

It does look peaceful and probably is a de-stresser for the chickens. Try it, if you have not already done so. The chicks will thank you.

 

[vpatt]

I am letting mine out for the first time right now. I have had them for either three or four weeks now. The five doms and the Partridge Rock came out....but the Phoenix stayed in the coop. Guess I better go keep an eye out. They have about an hour and fifteen minutes before bed time. So far so good.:yiipchick

 

[duluthralphie]

For me the best part of free range chickens is seeing this every morning:

 

[vpatt]

They all went back in their pen a bit early. I will go lock the coop up at The regular time.....yay!
e

 

[vpatt]

Duluth, I love your video......you have some happy chickens there!
:cd

 

[holm25]

For me the best part of free range chickens is seeing this every morning:

Looks just like when I open the coop . Beatiful flock!!

 

[Tikkijane]

I know I am nuts. Just over 100 chickens, 14 ducks, 4 geese on 16 acres. In a few weeks though maybe 75 chickens. Processed 4 tonight.

I'm just over 100....