When is a good time to let my hens roam free range

[gavpow]

I've just bought 6 point of lay pullets at 15 week old. After a week in their new coop and enclosure I wondered when would be a good time to let them roam free range in a wooded area at the back of my house. My worry is will they come back to roost in their coop or will they stay outdoors?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If they are fliers they may try to roost in the trees, but my worry is predators. When you free range them near a forest, there may be owls and hawks swooping down to get them.

Just be aware that it is risky. I would wait until they are a bit older. At around 4 months they aren't full sized yet and are not as aware of dangers. Even full sized I still lose chickens from aerial predators on occasion as their pen is next to a forest.

If you have heavy brown egg layers, they should come back to the coop just fine at night all on their own.

I hope this helps!

 

[gavpow]

Thanks very much for the reply. I was wondering if I had submitted my question correctly as this is my first time on backyard chickens as well as my first time owning them!

You mention predators in your reply but as I live in Great Britain the only real predator is the fox which doesn't really come out while dusk. As the chickens roost at this time I was hoping their paths wouldn't cross. My real concern is will the chickens come back to their coop to roost because if they don't Mr fox would end up killing. So putting predators to one side, how long after having introducing new chickens to their coop would you say is a good time to let them roam free with the knowledge that they will return to roost in their coop. Thanks again. Gavin.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

I would start them out an hour or so before they normally go up to roost so you can keep an eye on them first time. Most likely they will dutifully troop up into the coop at dusk without any problems.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I would start them out an hour or so before they normally go up to roost so you can keep an eye on them first time. Most likely they will dutifully troop up into the coop at dusk without any problems.

I agree with HighStreetCoop.

 

[gavpow]

I'll try that tonight. Cheers.

 

[Messipaw]

I kept my girls in their coop for a week straight. Then introduced them to the pen. I left the poop door open so they could have full access. Once they started going into the coop on their own and roosting I started to let them free range. I let them out about an hour before dark. The reason for this is so they didn't roam to far. I increased their free range little by little and it all worked out. They always returned to the run about 30 mins before dark then they filed into the coop to roost one by one. Hope this helps.

I also encouraged them to come to me with a "here girls" call out and a rattle of the meal worms container. While they are locked in the pen start to train them. Shake some meal worms or sun flower seeds then "here girls" them throw the treats close to them. Eventually they will come running to you the second they hear your voice. Mine do for me. Hope this helps.Good luck