To let into yard or not

[k9kodi]

I just picked up 2 hens from a friends farm. My coop is inside a 10x10 dog kennel, so they are confined. I have clipped their wings, but I'm in a neighborhood and I do have large yard w 6' privacy fence. If I let hens out to free range will they be a happier chicken, can they get over my fence, how do I know they will go bavk into coop in evening n be able to shut em in there for safety

 

[sepaditty1]

Keep them locked in for several days. Then, when you do let them out, they'll know where home is. I let mine in the yard when I'm home to watch them. When I'm ready to put them away, I just walk into the pen. They know that when they see me, a treat is coming, so they run in. If they're out of sight, I just yell, "Here Chickie" and they come running. For the treats, I have a basket in the kitchen that gets scraps and things. If I don't happen to have any of that, I have a bag of scratch in the pen that I sprinkle out. So, when I call them in it always means a treat.

 

[realsis]

Do you have any predators where you live? Hawks dogs ect? I have many hawks in my area so what I did is build a covered run where they can eat grass, play in the dirt and get exercise but are safe from predators. Before you let them loose, consider the predators you have in your area then decide if it's safe. My area is so ridden with hawks I can't let mine free range.

 

[Hooligans7]

Yes, sepaditty1 has a good procedure, but I encourage you also to quarantine your newcomers for 30 days. Even though they may appear healthy and may actually be healthy, they've been exposed to different bacteria and potential pathogens at your neighbor's property. Likewise, the newcomers are being exposed to new bacteria and potential pathogens on your property, so it's a good idea to keep them separated from your flock.

In addition, with your yard and fence layout you may benefit from bird netting — http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:bird netting

@realsis , bird netting could be the answer to your predator problems as well. It comes in many sizes square and rectangular.