To free range or not?

[Mama Kay W]

I don't allow mine to free range, there are a few dogs that run loose ( the owner refuses to keep them kenneled)and I live out in the country, lots of bobcats,bears,hawks. They have a large fenced in run for them to play in, whe hubby mows the yard they get the lawn clippings to munch on, andwe give them all the crickets we find and th local pet store sells them too, and milworms, they love them

But it's all personal choice, if you have the time to watch over them then let them free range or if possible build a large run and cover it so they don't fly out or anything flies in.

 

[Auscal]

From a previous post on similar vein, I remember a response talking about "tolerance for loss". That phrase really stuck with me. If you choose to free range, you need to accept there will be losses - how many depends on your situation, and, to a degree, to luck. You just needt to weigh up the benefits, the risks, and also what alternatives you had.


Personally, a 12' x 8' run (with small raised coop) for 6 runs wasn't big enough for 24 hour confinement. Total free range in my rural area is too risky for me, but I was able to provide a good alternative in a 35' x 35' unused dog run/yard as the "day run". It is uncovered, so chickens are technically at risk to hawks during the day - no losses yet, but, IMHO the risk is an acceptable alternative to chickens remaining in the small run -( even though it actually exceeds generally accepted space requirements)

 

[foxypoproxy]

My chickens use to be free range but they all got taken by predators, mostly hawks, raccoons, and foxes were my worst problems because i sorta live in a forest like area.
So i highly recommend a run of some sort or fencing.

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

mine get let out 2-3 times a week and its not land predators that i worry about its those dang hawks

I HATE THEM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

mine have a run that they go in everyday

 

[NewChic13]

Thanks for all the responses!

My girls have a very large coop, basically a chicken mansion!!! 8'x12' and a semi large covered run 12'x4'. I converted an unused shed into the coop, thats part of the reason it was so big. Plus I was worried about indoor space in the winter since it snows.

I like the idea of partial free ranging, like when I home and in the yard. But how hard would it be to get them back in the run or coop if I needed to? I can just imagine chasing chickens for hours!

 

[cmom]

My birds have pretty big yards. I do let them out once in awhile when I'm working out in or around the barn, our coops are next to our barn that way I can keep an eye on them. I keep their treat can handy and if they seem to be wondering too far I shake the treat can and give them the treat call and they come running then I give them some treats for coming when I call them.