My Chickens are grounded

[little brown hen]

I have 2 different breds bo and isa brown's. A few day's ago I caught the bo over in the neighbor's yard scratching the mulch around their trees I ran over and chased them out back across the black top road. I got them back in the pen and have had them locked in for the last 3-4 day's. I want to know if I keep them locked up for another week then let them out do you think they have learned their lesson and stay close to the coop? I just hate keeping them locked up with all that green grass for them to eat and besides it helps with the food bill.

 

[mulewagon]

They'll always head for mulch, that's where the bugs are! You could try letting them out just an hour or two before sunset. Then they won't have time to roam far.

 

[axion_lotus]

I agree with mulewagon.

However, if you're really worried about them bothering the neighbors' plants, then you should probably build a small fence to keep your chickens in your yard. It'll also keep them safe from cars and other such hazards. Putting up a small fence that can easily be moved will protect your chickens, keep your neighbors' trees safe, and will put your mind at ease.

 

[little brown hen]

Thank's I will try and let them out just before dark.

 

[2DogsFarm]

You have my sympathy.

My own Flock of Five got busted a couple weeks ago.

Of course they chose the ONLY neighbors with fussy landscaping for their visit

I was more concerned that they crossed a fairly busy road to get there!

They have spent the time since in their fenced yard.
I'm at work all day, so they only get out to freerange when I get home but that seems to be keeping them happy.

Even though they stand lined up like refugees at the fence when I leave for work, my egg production hasn't dropped so I assume they are not too unhappy.

I may try fencing - with t-posts & netting - the Escape Route from under the pine trees at the edge of my lotline across to the neighbors', but I can't fence off my whole 5ac!

 

[MaureenL128]

:cdWe had the same issue. Our neighbor came over and politely asked us to call them back if they went next door. Neither of us want to put a fence up so I just ran chicken wire in the wood in between the yards to keep them in mine. Works great and everyone is happy.

 

[little brown hen]

Well I let them out just before dusk lastnight and all the bo went out to the edge of the road I don't know why the grass is better there than 40 ft back. I stood out there and watched them. No one went across the road, but it's just the bo not the isa's must be the bred I guess. I can't fence off the whole yard either hubby has tilled up the back field for them but they seem to like the front yard. I have asked him to put a gate on the field side I thought maybe that would work but he just looked at me. I will keep letting them out at dusk but I work night's so the next 2 night's are out.