when to let chickens Free Range

[Btarr4]

My girls are almost 8 weeks and getting big. I would like to let them out of their run sometimes during the day. Are they old enough to start this and how do i introduce them to the free space. I am just nervous about letting them free but feel bad they are just in little run space all day.

 

[BYCforlife]

They could free range at 8 weeks, I am assuming they are fully feathered I don't let mine free renge because we have a "friendly" neighbor dog.

 

[Wandercreek]

Are they standard chickens or bantams? Are you planning to supervise them while outside?

I free range all of my birds, but I don't start them that way. They go from the brooder to a grow-out pen when they are fully feathered, then they get to free-range with the adults when they are more than half the size of the adult birds. Their ages at this point vary from breed to breed.

 

[cjp00a]

I was wondering the same thing. I have some RIRs and White Leghorns.

 

[Eckielady]

I don't free range anyone until I've taught them to come when called. Can easily be done in a day. Have you trained them to come to treats yet?

I can call my flock into the coop from anywhere on the property except for one speckled Sussex who is just a little.....unique.