Should I free range?

[Chickenlickengood]

I have 3 month old chickens that are housed in a small mobile coop. They also have a 16x16 run. I move the coop about once a week and they seem pretty happy. However, I think they would be happier if they free ranged. My concern is our fence. It is a 4 ft cattle panel fence with 6 inch squares. Can they get through the fence? I'm aware that there is a possibility of them flying over the fence, as well. They seem about full grown (size wise). But I can wait a few more months if they will grow more. Newby here, and just want what's best for my chicks

 

[nuthatched]

Are comfortable with the very real possibility of them being a part of the natural food chain?
If so, yes. If not, no.

 

[No Coop No Problem]

Does it matter if they jump the fence? Heavy breeds typically won't jump even a smaller fence than that. Light, athletic breeds could potentially jump it if something on the other side interests them

Clipping wings is also an option to keep them contained, though it's best avoided if possible because they need their wings to escape predators. I usually reserve wing clipping for special situations, such as an otherwise perfect chicken that loves devouring my garden

 

[Birdinhand]

Are comfortable with the very real possibility of them being a part of the natural food chain?
If so, yes. If not, no.

100%, That is putting it in the most straight forward terms. Everyone I know who has gone free range eventually has losses, might take years but often adds up quick when the predators finally get the hankering. I’ve decided not to and instead use deep litter, maybe 8” deep, giving them plenty of recreation. Also giving them a big run helps, adding some chicken fascinators like a swing etc is great.

 

[Anon112]

I let my chickens free range when I'm outside with them in sight. Even with that, I have still had some attacks from foxes, coyotes, and hawks. Most of the time I was able to rescue the chicken, but I have lost a few to predators that way when I wasn't fast enough.

It helps if they have places they can hide/fly up to. You'll also want to be mindful of the time (a lesson I learned the hard way), and not have them outside too early or too late because there is more predator activity at those times.

 

[Perris]

I think they would be happier if they free ranged. My concern is our fence. It is a 4 ft cattle panel fence with 6 inch squares. Can they get through the fence?

I'm sure you are right that they would be happier if free. Whether or not they could get through such a fence depends on what breed they are, as well as their size. Breeds described as 'flighty' get that moniker because they are rather good at running away and getting through small gaps, whereas breeds described as 'docile' get their reputation because they stay put mostly.

They seem about full grown (size wise).

A full grown Brahma (for example) would not be able to get through it. A full grown Campine (for example) probably would.

Newby here, and just want what's best for my chicks

You don't say what is on the other side of the fence. Do you just seek to contain them on your property, or is there a threat to their wellbeing on the other side of it?

There are inevitably losses with free ranging, especially when the chickens are naïve, but they get better at it over time. Losses from confined flocks also happen, and are much more devastating, when a predator gets into the coop and the chickens in it can't escape. If free ranging, only 1 typically is lost.