Release the chickens!

[BroomFarm]

We had the same worries you have, but quickly found that chickens LOVE to forage freely, so letting them out is a great idea. You will enrich their lives quite a bit by letting them out, as your coop and run sizes are close to minimum, from what most folks say.

Now, the great thing about chickens is their "flock mentality". When you have them out, all you have to do is clap your hands or start to round them up and they'll generally all run to each other. Also, once the first bird goes into the run or coop, the others are likely to follow in quick succession.

Nothing to worry about, really...you'll have it down to a science in no time. My wife and I really enjoy letting the girls out and just sitting in some comfy lawn chairs, watching their crazy antics. Perfect time for an adult beverage and quiet conversation.

 

[horsejody]

The chickens will probably stay in the yard. If not, clip the wings. As for the neighbors, make sure that none of them have a dog that may get excited and jump over that 3 ft fence or dig under. They may not be so supportive when you are angry because Fido decimated your flock.

 

[mdbokc]

They learn boundaries pretty quick. Every time they reach the limit of where they are allowed, get ready to move them back to the acceptable area, then walk away. If they get up on the fence, immediately take them off. Pretty soon, a few days, they do pretty much what you want with periodic "reinforcement".

 

[mrsgibber]

I have neighbors to one side that I would worry about them upsetting if they wandered into their yard so I only allow mine to free range about a half hour before they go to roost just for enrichment purposes. They sure do love it but I stay out there with them to make sure they don't wander to the neighbors and to be on the lookout for stray dogs, etc.

They always head back in at their usual time for bed.

 

[allison finch]

Be sure to check for any city ordinances prohibiting free roaming. Our town prohibits it. I'm not willing to try it and having a not-so-near neighbor, who might not be so supportive, complain of an escapee in their yard.

 

[Metanoia]

They learn boundaries pretty quick. Every time they reach the limit of where they are allowed, get ready to move them back to the acceptable area, then walk away. If they get up on the fence, immediately take them off. Pretty soon, a few days, they do pretty much what you want with periodic "reinforcement".

Mine still haven't learnt. Though I will admit after a couple of weeks of "no, you are not allowed in the vege garden and shall be carried out despite your protests" they are starting to get through the vege garden fence less and less.

I leave mine alone, but poke my head out ever half hour to an hour and do a quick head count.​