Turning hens loose

[gidgarden]

I have four hens very friendly get along well with each other, good layers. Do I let them run free on days that I am home and will they come back to the coop on their own?

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. If your hens have been sleeping and laying in your coop then it should be imprinted on them as their home, and they will return to it each evening. If you free range them during the day, just make sure that you keep an eye on them if there are any predators in your area. It would be a shame to lose your flock. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your flock.

 

[sunflour]

So glad you joined us.

Ranging is a personal decision. Agree that if you decide to do so, do it with supervision. You can try favorite treats to get them to come back to the coop when you want them back in.

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

You could probably free range your hens, and they would return to their coop. However, there are many risks when free ranging: predators, getting lost, etc. It is your decision as to whether you want to take the risk of your flock not returning home one day.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I personally would not let my birds out to free range and be gone all day. You take big risks when you free range, especially for long periods of time. All kinds of dangers out there from hawks, fox, dogs, coyotes, all kinds of day time danger. You might keep them in a large sturdy run during the day and when you get home from work or school, let them out for a few hours before roosting time. I usually call my birds in with some goodies and always do a head count at night. Get them locked in before the killing hour of dusk.

Enjoy your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

Yes, your hens will probably come back to the coop on their own. But, free ranging can be risky and dangerous for the birds. I personally wouldn't free range my chickens, because I wouldn't want a hawk or other predator to attack them.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sometimes free ranging birds also get "chicken napped," because the perps know nobody is watching.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

 

[gidgarden]

Thanks for help gang, I'm working in the yard this weekend, I'll try it then.