How to Free Range Chickens
New to raising chickens and feeling a little lost? Don’t worry, this post has your back when it comes to chicken care. You’ll learn how to free-range chickens, the pros and cons of it, and get tips on everything from protection to food, water, and more.
Raising chickens that are healthy and happy is always our goal. Happy chickens in our backyard means more eggs in our kitchen.
Have you ever driven down a country road and noticed chickens slowly walking around the front yard of a quaint farmhouse? It’s funny to watch them slowly make their way around the area in a haphazard path that only they know.
I love watching chickens roam around outside. Seeing them out in the open, scratching and pecking at the ground—it just feels like they’re living their best life.
But when they’re hanging out by the road—or worse, in the road—that’s a whole different story.
I’m all for free-ranging chickens, but I like to make sure they’re doing it in a way that’s safe for them and for anyone driving by.
What does it mean when chickens scratch the ground with their feet?
When they rake their feet over grass or dirt, they’re “scratching.” It’s their way of bringing bugs and worms closer to the surface, making them easier to snack on.
But it’s not just about food—scratching is actually super soothing for chickens. It keeps them busy, helps them relax, and plays a big role in keeping them happy and healthy.
Should you free range your chickens?
I truly believe chickens are happier and healthier when they have plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Letting them enjoy natural treats like bugs and worms not only keeps them content but also leads to more nutritious eggs. The trick is to allow them to roam safely.
Pros and Cons of Free-Ranging Your Chickens
Free-ranging your chickens has its ups and downs, so let’s break it down to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your flock.
Pros of Free-Ranging Chickens
- Access to fresh ground: Your chickens get to explore new areas, which keeps life interesting for them.
- Sunshine and fresh air: Getting out of a stuffy coop and into the open air does wonders for their health and mood.
- Bugs and worms galore: Free-ranging gives them access to a natural buffet of protein-packed snacks.
- Relaxation through scratching: Scratching isn’t just about finding food—it’s a soothing activity that keeps them happy.
- Lower feed costs: With all the foraging they do, you’ll save a bit on feed.
- Natural pest control: Chickens love munching on bugs, which means fewer pests in your yard and garden.
- Healthier eggs: Free-ranging often leads to eggs that are richer in nutrients, thanks to their varied diet.
Cons of Free-Ranging Chickens
- Neighbor troubles: Not everyone loves chickens as much as you do. If your flock wanders into a neighbor’s yard, it could cause some tension. Plus, neighborhood dogs might pose a danger if they’re not chicken-friendly.
- Egg hunts: Free-range chickens don’t always lay their eggs in the coop. You might find eggs scattered around your yard—or stumble upon a hidden stash behind the shed one day. If eggs are your main reason for keeping chickens, this could be a challenge.
- Predator risks: Depending on where you live, chicken predators can be a big problem. Hens are defenseless, so having a rooster can help protect them—but even he might not make it through a fight. You’ll need to take extra steps to keep your flock safe.
Free-ranging can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you and your chickens.
How to Free-Range Your Chickens
Free-ranging your chickens can be done in a few different ways, depending on your setup and comfort level. Whether you choose supervised or complete free range, the most important thing is to have a safe, secure coop for your flock to return to each night.
The coop should be weatherproof and predator-proof, and it’s also a good idea to have an enclosed run for days when free-ranging isn’t an option. Let’s explore the different approaches:
1. Complete Free Range
With complete free range, your chickens have the freedom to roam all day without supervision. Each morning, you simply open the coop and let them come and go as they please. In the evening, you’ll need to do a headcount and call in any stragglers who haven’t returned to the coop.
While this method is definitely easier on you, it does come with some risks—predators are a big concern, and you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of occasional losses. One way to help protect your flock is by having a rooster. Roosters are great at keeping an eye out for danger and will alert the hens (and you!) if there’s a threat nearby. Another handy tip? Train your chickens to come when called. It’s a simple trick that can make rounding them up quick and safe when needed.
2. Supervised Free Range
Supervised free range involves letting your chickens roam freely while you’re nearby to keep an eye on them. This is a great option for a more controlled free range time and can be done while you’re working in the garden, cleaning the barn, or just hanging out outside.
By watching over them, you can ensure your flock stays safe and out of trouble while still enjoying the benefits of scratching and foraging.
3. Limited Free Range
Limited free range is a great middle ground. This gives your chickens the freedom to roam while keeping them safe from predators. Limited ranging, is actually my favorite way to raise our flock.
With this method, you can set up a large, enclosed area using chicken netting (which you can easily find online in all sorts of sizes). One of the best parts? You get to decide where your chickens go. By rotating their space around your yard, you can keep your vegetable gardens and ornamental plants safe while still letting your chickens enjoy plenty of room to explore.
Things to Keep in Mind
Safety First: Make sure your coop is secure and gives your chickens a safe spot to retreat to at night. A sturdy, predator-proof coop is a must for peace of mind.
Flexibility: Pick the free-ranging method that fits your lifestyle and setup best. Whether you go with supervised, complete, or limited free range, the main goal is to keep your flock happy, healthy, and as safe as possible.
Predator Risks: Even with supervised free range, predators can still show up during the day. If you have rare breeds or treat your chickens like pets, free-ranging might not be the best choice since occasional losses are a real possibility when they’re not fully protected.
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Predator Tips for Safer Free Ranging
Keeping your chickens safe while they free range can feel like a balancing act, but a few smart strategies can make a big difference.
• Provide tree and shrub cover: Trees and shrubs can shield your chickens from overhead predators like hawks and eagles. Just keep in mind, these spots can also double as hiding places for ground predators like foxes or coyotes, so stay alert.
• Keep the area clear: Make sure the coop and run are free of heavy vegetation so you have a clear view of about 20 to 25 feet around their housing. This makes it easier to spot any potential threats.
• Check in often: Swing by to check on your chickens throughout the day. Predators like foxes sometimes hang back and watch before making a move. Your visits can disrupt their plans and make them think twice about sticking around.
• Get a guardian: Consider adding a livestock guardian for extra protection. A dog, cat, or even a donkey (seriously, they’re amazing at this!) can help keep predators at bay and give your flock some added security.
• Provide some shelter: Set up a temporary or permanent shelter to give your chickens some cover. Whether it’s a large, caged-in area or just a tarp stretched over some stakes, having a safe spot can help reduce predator attacks.
• Add a rooster to your flock: A good rooster will do his best to protect every hen in the group. Plus, he’ll squawk up a storm if there’s danger nearby, giving you a heads-up that something’s not right.
• Try a movable fence: Using netting or a movable fence is a great way to create a protected free-range area for your chickens while they’re out and about.
Final Option for Free Ranging Safely
If free ranging doesn’t feel like the right fit, building a larger enclosed chicken run could be the best solution, at least for now. It’s larger than a coop and offers more protection and confinement than letting your flock roam freely.
If you go this route, make sure to keep things interesting for your chickens. Toss in some food scraps so they can still enjoy a bit of foraging, and add fun extras like chicken swings, hanging mirrors, or even special hanging treats to keep them entertained. Don’t forget to include a spot for dust baths and ensure they’re soaking up plenty of sunlight.
If you’re starting from scratch and don’t have a coop yet, there are some great plans out there for building a backyard coop.
And for an extra boost to their health (and the nutrient levels in their eggs), try adding vitamins, kelp, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to their diet.
Tips for Starting Out with Free-Ranging
Letting your entire flock loose to do whatever they want might sound great, but it’s not the best way to start. Even a small group of chickens can cause more chaos than you’d expect if you’re not careful.
Chickens are not picky foragers—they’ll happily scratch up your vegetable plants just as quickly as they’ll go after weeds. To protect your garden during growing seasons, it’s a good idea to fence it off and keep your plants safe from their curious claws.
Giving your chickens more space to roam isn’t just about protecting your garden—it’s also better for their health. More room means fewer diseases and parasites, and it helps prevent behavior issues like hen pecking and feather picking. Overcrowding can lead to stress, and stress opens the door to illnesses that can spread quickly through your flock.
If you’re considering free-ranging, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you live in a suburban area.
- Chickens love to explore: They’ll need a decent-sized yard, but don’t worry—they usually stick close to home. They prefer to stay near their food, water, and coop.
- Keep them entertained: Provide a dust bathing area, perches, and plenty of space to roam. Chickens are curious and get bored easily, so the more you can offer, the happier they’ll be.
- Fencing helps: While a fenced yard won’t guarantee they stay put, it does help. Plus, keeping their coop clean and feeders full will encourage them to stick around.
- Be neighborly: If you live close to others, let your neighbors know you have chickens. That way, if your flock decides to wander, they’ll know who to call.
Starting small and being mindful of your setup will make free-ranging a win-win for both you and your chickens.
There are a lot of things to consider before deciding to free range your chickens. It’s best to create a plan that includes how you’ll protect them, what they’ll eat, and how far they can go before making the final decision.
If you’re able to offer your chickens free range, they’ll be happier in their environment and they’ll provide tastier and healthier eggs for you and your family.
I hope you found this article helpful on how to free range your chickens so you can raise chickens that are healthy and happy all year long.
