New to BYC

[robert2959]

Just got my chickens last week, and wanted to 'free range' them. How long should I keep them in the coop before turning them out?

 

[Adamschickfarm]

I would suggest you keep them in the coop until they start laying

 

[drumstick diva]

If you turn them loose now to free range, they may lay their eggs over all the country and dare you to find them. I would confine them to coop and run until they start laying again and hopefully in the nest boxes you provide.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on Adamschickfarm and drumstick diva; keep them in the coop until they start laying in the nest boxes. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is lots of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Cheers.

 

[Paganrose]

Welcome to BYC!

How old are your chickens? Are they chicks, laying, or close to laying?

I agree they will need to stay in the coop to know where to lay, and to know where home is. I always kept new birds in the coop for at least a 4-7 days before letting them range.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I usually keep new birds in the coop for 48 hours before letting them faff around in the garden - it works for me and i've only had one chicken lay outside the nest boxes (and I hatched her!). Everybody's experiences are different, so id suggest reading and then thinking about what may suit you best.

All the best
CT

 

[N F C]

Thanks for joining us, it's nice to have you here!

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!