When to free range new chickens

[witt243]

Hello all. I am the proud owner of 5 RIR. These are my first chickens. I purchased them at 2.5 months old and want to know when is a good time to let them free range. How long does it take chickens of this age to know where home is?

Thanks in advance,
James

 

[fshinggrl]

I would suggest having them in the coop/hen house for a few days/nights so that they know where home is and then let them out. Feed and water in the coop. 2.5 months old seems to be a good age to do it at.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
I second Fishinggirl's advice. Keeping the chickens locked in the coop for a few days first makes them bond with their home. They will always go back to it.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Hi James - Welcome to BYC from Olympia.

I'm a new chicken owner as well and loving the experience.

I would suggest you go check out the preditor and pest section to read up on what can happen if you free range and/or not provide a preditor proof coop and run.

If you don't mind spending money on raising chicks for eggs and/or meat or just pets to then have them become someone else's meal or killed just because then take the other's advice and leave them in the coop for a week or two.

I'd LOVE to let my chicks free range 4 acres but I choose not to take the chance.

Good luck to you. We LOVE to see pics.

 

[witt243]

Thank you for the replies. I should have mentioned that the five chickens are now in a 5' x 5' coop with a 5' x 10' pen. I know that predators can be a problem, but I am hoping to be alright with them running free for a few hours a day but back in their home at night.

Thanks,
James