Wanderers

[Elegantenvy]

Hi guys. I haven't posted in a while! Recently I've been trying my girls with free ranging during the day. Up until now, it's been great. Today, I've noticed them next door in the woods. It's no biggie that they are there because it is my mom's property,but I'm concerned that they've traveled so far from my house. They've bee. Returning to the coop at night. Should I worry? How far. Will chickens actually wander?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The short answer is, as far as they want/are able to go. They will go where the resources are (cover, food items, shade in summer, interesting places). Have you taught them to come when called? This can be very helpful. Are you concerned about them becoming list, forming a habit of roosting elsewhere, increased exposure to loss or?

 

[Elegantenvy]

More worried about loss I guess. They usually come when called and especially when I shake a can with food in it, but today it didn't work.

So that's concerning.

 

[GKestrel]

I'm sorry if this is a silly question: Are there collars to which you can add your address for chickens (for neck or legs) in case they wander too far? A search only found no-crow collars. I'm having this problem with my 3 hens free-ranging beyond my yard.

 

[aart]

I'm sorry if this is a silly question: Are there collars to which you can add your address for chickens (for neck or legs) in case they wander too far? A search only found no-crow collars. I'm having this problem with my 3 hens free-ranging beyond my yard.

It's been suggested, but haven't seen anyone come thru yet.
Would probably be too large and/or too expensive.