Questions about how to free range....

[nasr69]

Hi
I have six girls that I have in a coop and run that is big enough but minimally. I live in a urbanish area but my yard is fenced with the standard 4 foot chain link. I would like to be able to let them have the yard area when I am home whats the best way to do that? Or will the just fly over the fence? Would clipping the wings help? And how would I get them back up at end of day? I have raised these girls from day olds and they are pets but they don't have much recall. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

2Buffs
2 Andalusian
1 Rhode Island Red
1 Ausralop

 

[Birdsong 82]

How long have they been in the yard in the run? I free range mine during they day with an open yard and they never stray to far... I don't know if that goes for all chickens. I think they know not stray too far from where they get fed The chickens I had years ago I let free range about 2 days after I got them and it was terrible getting them in for the night. But they younger ones we have now weren't allowed out of the run till they were laying for a couple weeks and they are waiting at the door to get in in the evening. You could try that way

 

[lazy gardener]

Have you trained them to come when called? IMO, that is the first step. Then you can start letting them out for a bit with supervision about an hour before they normally go to roost. As you become comfortable with their behavior, you can gradually increase their free range time.

However, even if your yard is fenced, i strongly urge you to give them a covered run. No matter where you live, you will encounter hawk predation. And even in urban communities, you'd be surprised how many 4 footed predators there are, including cats, dogs, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, weasels.... and on and on and on. A 4 foot fence will never deter a predator from the chicken buffet.

And, yes, you may need to clip a wing.