Has anyone had their first week free ranging their chickens go terribly wrong?

[Mrs. K]

Grand

 

[DonnaScott]

You seem to worry they will leave you, they won't. They will try to stay "home" as long as they feel safe. That said, I've only had trouble when raccoons were getting into my coop through weak spots. My babies decided that the front porch was safer, probably because they were closer to me. I solved all the problems with my coop and they go to bed at night with no trouble.
I live on the gulf coast so we don't need much cold weather protection, we need heat protection. My coop is wire with a sheet metal cover that comes below the roost on the sides, especially the north side, blocks the cold wind. Not pretty but very functional. They go out every day from about noon to night, helps to ensure we get more of the eggs.
A good rooster is the best defense for predators. Our Bob was unbelievable! He fought off as many as 3 dogs at once. We never lost a girl with him. He finally succumbed to his many injuries and old age and I've missed him every day. We had him at least 12 years.

I had Guinea hens and they couldn't leave me quick enough. I have tons of predators here so I can only let them out of their run under supervision. I've just been super scared they would take off or wander into the woods.

I had a fox kill 4 of my guinea hens for sport right in front of me.

 

[Mrs. K]

You know if you had a fox do that, just might not be a good place to free range.

 

[Agnes Gray]

I had Guinea hens and they couldn't leave me quick enough. I have tons of predators here so I can only let them out of their run under supervision. I've just been super scared they would take off or wander into the woods.

I had a fox kill 4 of my guinea hens for sport right in front of me.

I understand. I've had a bobcat snatch a goose when we were all outside. Couldn't react fast enough to stop it.
I've never raised guineas though so I can't offer help with them. I've had chickens for 30+ years and never had any leave me. I did get a volunteer rooster though. He came from a neighboring property and stayed for many years. He made me wish cloning were affordable. The best rooster ever. RIP Bob

 

[SkyAJK]

Just a few days ago, my 8 months old hen - Adzuki jumped on a 1.8m dividing fence and was about to jump into the neighbour yard, this neighbour has a big dog.

So very LUCKY! I was there and called her name, she jumped down and came to me.

All my chickens are keep in their runs, but a around 4pm I let them out into the general garden to walk on the lawn.e.tc... and mingle. They eventually go back into their coops themselves, but Adzuki is very curious and spend her time out in the garden investigating everything, it almost end her life if I was not there or if she did not responded to her name being called.

Each time I give my chickens treat to eat from my hand, I call their name repeatedly so they all know that is the sound of joy. I think this is why my Adzuki jumped down when I called her name.

Since that day, I make sure that she is not anywhere near the dividing fence.

Edit to day that some of my pullets fly up the dividing fence, up on the hills hoist, on top of the 2m enclosure roof, but after they past that 1 year of age, they stopped. I don't know why

 

[KyCoop]

Agree with many of these suggestions. I let my girls, and boy free range in the yard a couple times a week. I have a 3 ft chain link fence and they don't offer to go over it.
I stay with them and if it's hawk migration season (fall - winter) I have a rake in my hand. I have waved off many a hawk.
I've trained them to "the cup" of treats so I can recall them when I need them back in.
All this is much easier with adult birds. If you have young birds your training having an extra set of eyes and hands helps. I would make my husband come put when training the new Littles.

I would start with a small area until they get used to the idea.

Your heart will be tested the first few times but it gets easier.

 

[ChaosMom]

Agree with many of these suggestions. I let my girls, and boy free range in the yard a couple times a week. I have a 3 ft chain link fence and they don't offer to go over it.
I stay with them and if it's hawk migration season (fall - winter) I have a rake in my hand. I have waved off many a hawk.
I've trained them to "the cup" of treats so I can recall them when I need them back in.
All this is much easier with adult birds. If you have young birds your training having an extra set of eyes and hands helps. I would make my husband come put when training the new Littles.

I would start with a small area until they get used to the idea.

Your heart will be tested the first few times but it gets easier.

I started “yard-ranging” our three 16-week-old pullets last Friday. They don’t test the fencing at all (for now.) I’ve heard them alarm for aerial predator twice now, and I’m ordering a sun (shade) sail to reduce predator risk.

The main advantage to their new area is that it has a lot of shrub cover (large rhododendron, etc.)