Supervised free range?

[mnmom4]

DH and I are going to get a small flock of chickens, probably 6 to 8. We live on an acre lot in the suburbs but we are very close to our neighbors on both sides and we don't have a fence. Our yard is long and narrow. We are close to a nature preserve so we definitely see plenty of predators- hawks, eagles, owls, etc. I really want to let the chickens free range for a while every day. The kids and I are home all day and are outside quite a bit. Is it realistic to think that I can let them out for supervised free range when we are outside? I would hate to have to keep them caged up all the time, especialy since we have so much space( for a city lot). I am a newbie for sure and I worry about predators or them getting away w/out a fence.

 

[cbeth95]

It is certainly okay to let the chickens out and about while you are outside. Predators will be less inclined to attack if they see you. But you still need to be aware and watch out for them. Plus, you will be able to bond with your new little friends! They will probably peck around you and your family.

 

[Cheeky Chick]

This almost the same question that I have. I'm worried the chickens may wander off my property. Someone told my husband we'd never get them back in the coop during the day, but that they'd go back by themselves at dusk. I have no fence, either.

 

[devora]

If you are worried about predators, you ought to be fine. Most things that want to kill your birds are crepuscular or nocturnal.

If you are concerned they won't come home, get them an Xbox. No, wait, that's not right...

Let them out about an hour (or less) before sunset and watch them. They will go home when it's bedtime. Then slowly increase the time outside/

 

[cafarmgirl]

The biggest thing I'd be worried about, since you are basically in town and have no fence, is peoples dogs running loose and coming after your chickens. Although hawks have been known to fly in and grab a chicken even with humans very close by. I'd still be most worried about dogs, and at night time too. Make sure your coop/run is very predator proof.

 

[1muttsfan]

Before you start letting them out, teach them to come for treats. I use a plastic tub and scratch grain. Shake the grain and call the birds. Give them treats only in their run, so that they understand to get the treats they need to go in. My birds come running whenever I call them and happily go back into their run.

 

[Cheeky Chick]

Before you start letting them out, teach them to come for treats. I use a plastic tub and scratch grain. Shake the grain and call the birds. Give them treats only in their run, so that they understand to get the treats they need to go in. My birds come running whenever I call them and happily go back into their run.

That is a perfect idea! I'd hate to have them out, and have an emergency that I have to leave, and not have them safely back in their pen!!
Thank you!!

 

[RedDrgn]

Yep, you absolutely can do that. That's the only way that we free range ours.

 

[mnmom4]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

 

[linkedsilas]

agree with the treat training idea. when mine see me with a yogurt cup they get all excited and run up to me