Poll: Do you free range or are they in a run?

[Egg Snatcher]

I ran into that same problem. They got too comfortable free ranging and wander WAY off (we have 20 acres which are mostly wooded) so I've had to keep them in which gas dramatically raised my feed cost but it just isn't worth it to let them run off.

I agree

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have a large enclosed, covered run, and I have a large enclosed yard for them that is covered with heavy duty aviary netting. But I still let them out on the property a few times a week for closely supervised free ranging time.

Too many predators. I wouldn't have chickens for long if I free ranged them. My neighbor lost almost all 24 of his in just a few months to foxes, hawks, and a bear.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

All day free range when at home. Coverd run when we have to go out.

 

[CaliforniaMountainChicks]

Mine are kept in a large enclosed run 24/7. We have way too many daytime predators like coyotes, peoples loose dogs, hawks, eagles, etc. My run is 1,400 sq ft for 12 chickens (20 in spring). It’s 6ft tall and has 1/2” 19g hardware cloth on the sides and 1” 16g hardware cloth on the top. Pretty much 100% predator proof for all that we have around here (we don’t have mink or small weasels in Southern California. Supposedly we have a largest long tailed one. Coop is shut at night either way though.) People around here have lost chickens to coyotes (and of course hawks as they nest here) even with an electric fence set up so I just opted for a fully enclosed hardware cloth run.

 

[SleepyChickens]

I have a large enclosed run (about 5,000 sqft), as a coop. My chickens are also free to roam around in nature during the day, and they come back inside the run at night.

I have 2 guard dogs that sleep inside the run with the chickens at night.
I've cut my feed cost around 50% with free ranging. I'm still experimenting with feeding, but i'm hoping to reduce feed cost even more.

You can check out my chickens here: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepychicken19/videos

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

I have 10 chickens that free range in the summer and fall. They choose to remain in the coop (with attached run) if there is any amount of snow but the pop door remains open all day so they can perch on the ledge and consider going out. I have an electric fence for them to fly over, and “guard dogs” which they try to peck at their feet
My flock has many natural hiding places when they venture out, mostly under brush and wooded areas, but they love hanging out on the front porch, aka the sentry post
Clearly, unless I lock them in they will do as they please.

 

[MiddleAmerican]

Aside from being locked up in the coop at night, mine are free range 24/7.