What age to let them roam?

[FortFusterCluck]

Hey, all!

I have 2 laying hens, and 10 youngsters (8-12 weeks). I have a coop and fully secured run. I live in a tiny country town on 2 acres where everyone has lots of land and livestock. I'm the only one in my area with a run. Everyone else just let's their chickens free range.

I have started letting the hens range for 2-4 hours a day. I'd eventually like to start with the youngsters, but what age is appropriate? We do have a lot of sky predators to worry about (hawks, vultures, etc). Two of my youngsters are roos, but I have awhile before they can do much to defend the tribe.

Edited for typo

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Hello there! I let my youngsters free range as soon as they’re fully feathered. Do you have any bushes or brush for them to hide in?

 

[FortFusterCluck]

Hello there! I let my youngsters free range as soon as they’re fully feathered. Do you have any bushes or brush for them to hide in?

Tall trees, yes. Brush and bushes, not really. We're working on the landscaping/gardening because the previous owner leveled everything except a few trees. That's a good thought; I'll put a couple in the grazing area for them.