Will they come back to the run for water, if I let them free range?

[kathyinmo]

I have a large chicken yard, but since it is lacking vegatation, I am thinking of letting them out for a couple hours in the evening. I have a nearly 2 acre yard as well as timber behind us. Will I need to put water out, as well? Or, will they go back in for water? My biggest fear is that they won't come back in at all. I am afraid they will wander off and get lost, or go roost in the timber. Should I give this a try?

 

[Chicky Tocks]

If they've been in the coop and run for some time, they will go back in when it gets dark. I free range mine for a couple of hours in the evening and have no problems. Sometimes they go back for water and other times they just wait until they all go in and then they crowd around the waterer. One thing you can do is to put a pot of water out in the area that they range. They'll find it and will drink if they get really thirsty.

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

Most of mine free range. They know where their waterer is. When it is really hot I just offer more water stations.

 

[joey7319]

Mine come back to the run for water. They spend a lot of time in the woods foraging in the leaves, then come back for water, feed, and to sleep in the evening.

 

[gritsar]

Mine free range and I have several waterers in the area around the coop. The girls come back to lay their eggs and get a drink and a bite to eat after they're finished laying.

 

[jvls1942]

if they cannot find water anywhere else they will come back to the water in the run..

I do not water mine anywhere else but in the run.. that keep them close..

 

[nikischicks]

Im afraid that when we let them out they will wander into the neighbors yards! We have let the grass grow tall mostly all the way around the yard so would this stop them, would they see it as a natural barrier? Im scared to just do it!

 

[jvls1942]

yes, they will visit your neighbors.

unless your grass is 8 feet tall and they cannot get through it, it will not be any kind of barrier at all..

you're lucky if a fence can contain them..

check with your neighbors ahead of time.. it will save your friendship in the future..

 

[citrusdreams]

Quote:
I free range mine all day, and I have water in many places., though I only keep food in their henhouse. They even drink out of the dog's water. They come back all time after dusk.

Yes, I think you should try it, especially if you're around to supervise and make sure they're safe. I think you'll like free ranging them.

 

[citrusdreams]

Quote:
They can wander into your neighbor's yard. Mine don't particularly like tall grass, but they'll go into their regular places regardless of the grass length. Tall grass is not going to stop them from going where they want to go.

You should ask your neighbors if it's okay. If it's not, you won't be able to free range them without putting up fencing. Mine can roost on a six foot high fence.