Free ranging chickens! Q and A ( my experience)

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

here you can ask me and others questions wether you should free range and just some general questions about free ranging!

here are a few!

Q: how long do my chickens free range?
A: 5-12 hours
Q: are my chickens safe when free ranging?
A: it depends on your fence and trees. if you have a broken fence a dog or other animal can get in, and if your yard is open with little to no trees a hawk or eagle might get them.
Q: should I supervise them?
A; you don't need to watch 24\7 but check in to make sure they are safe.
Q: are chickens happier when free ranging?
A: yes! they will be super happy if you free ranged them. mine have always been free range and they tend to be nicer, happier chickens.
(My experience)
Q: will my chickens learn to go back inside the coop when its late?
A: while it depends on the chickens, our chickens always go inside at about 7-8 by themselves. you may have to train them to.

any other questions?

 

[aart]

any other questions?

Yes.
What is your experience with keeping free range chickens?
Years, location/climate, etc?

 

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

Yes.
What is your experience with keeping free range chickens?
Years, location/climate, etc?

Well i dont really understand but ill try to say what i think you mean
We've been free ranging since we've had chickens, so 9 years.
I live in minnosota so right now during the day its 40-60 during the day and 30-40 during the night. Its often 60-80 degrees in the summer and thats pretty hot, but they find trees and shade.
I think the temp in Minnesota is perfect for chickens. Sorry if that's not what you meant?

 

[Jasfarm]

Ugh I’m jealous they free range in Minnesota. I’m in MA and we still don’t have enough cover so I worry about them free ranging

 

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

Ugh I’m jealous they free range in Minnesota. I’m in MA and we still don’t have enough cover so I worry about them free ranging

Awe im sorry

 

[fluffycrow]

I've got one more question. How many chickens do you lose to predators per year

 

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

I've got one more question. How many chickens do you lose to predators per year

id say at least 1-3. i think in all ive only lost about 5-8 chickens to predators. normally they get sick or are really old. im a freak about them so i am always watching

 

[fluffycrow]

id say at least 1-3. i think in all ive only lost about 5-8 chickens to predators. normally they get sick or are really old. im a freak about them so i am always watching

So in the whole time you've been free ranging you've only lost 5-8 chickens to predators or 1-3 per year?

 

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

So in the whole time you've been free ranging you've only lost 5-8 chickens to predators or 1-3 per year?

id say. i cant recall all predator deaths. id say instead 10-12 chickens lost to predators. i cant remember but ive had a lot of chickens so mabye that. and i didnt lose any chickens to predators in the past year.

 

[fluffycrow]

id say. i cant recall all predator deaths. id say instead 10-12 chickens lost to predators. i cant remember but ive had a lot of chickens so mabye that. and i didnt lose any chickens to predators in the past year.

Do you have any LGDs guarding the chickens