Run vs. Free Range

[TXchickmum]

I think it really depends upon your specific location/set up. Do you have land? Is it a back yard? Do you have cover? What types of predators do you have? I really prefer both options. We've had chickens for 8 years, and never lost any to predators (thus far). They have a very secure coop which they're in by dusk and until the sun just begins to rise. We have a heavily landscaped back yard. -large trees, small trees, ornamental trees/bushes, tons of perennials, fruit vines/bushes, tons of herbs, rose bushes, and lawn furniture. -keep them in the run for most of the day, and let them out two to three times for an hour or two each. They forage through the perennial beds and clean up the pesky insects (and a few lizards/small grass snakes ). Hawks are really the most significant threat, and the gals have tons of cover. The second they hear a hawk in the distance they clear the open lawn and dart for cover.
I like having both options available.

 

[PirateGirl]

Where I live, free ranging is not permitted. It's worth looking into any local zoning and/or ordinances.

 

[jreardon1918]

We are 2 1/2 years into our chicken adventure. The coop is 4x8. The very secure run is 8x12. We used to let them out in the yard. But that meant they were out until bed. That was a bit unnerving. Two reasons for the worry. 1. We live on a suburban street with close neighbors. 2. The back is a wetland filled with predators. Never lost one. But had the approach the road. Last year we added a fenced 20 x 50 area. We let then out in that every day. It is not secure. But so far so good. This extra fenced area is a good middle ground i think. Plenty of shade. Lots of leaves, wood chips, sticks. The attached picture gives a good view. Although they could fly out. That has rarely happened.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Where I live, free ranging is not permitted. It's worth looking into any local zoning and/or ordinances.

Good point. And also if your lot isn't all that big, free ranging is likely going to result in your chickens wandering in someone else's yard... will your neighbors be ok with that? Do they have dogs outside that can easily get to them?

I don't free range (well, very limited with supervision) as we don't want to take any predator losses, plus I like to garden and don't want chickens tearing up the garden and lawn, plus at least one of my dogs loves eating chicken poop so we need to minimize his access to it.

 

[Onslow's Hens]

If you have the land and it's not in violation of HOA's or city/county ordinances - let them free range. If they will be picked off relentlessly by predators, then run a hot wire around the largest area you can for them. Penned chickens are not happy hens. They may do just fine and live long and healthy lives, but they really love to roam and be chickens.

 

[Cathy Roberts]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I really appreciate it.