4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[clucking mad]

how long should you keep them in the run before you ccan let them freerange

[Cooks]

I kept them in 5 days as thats what I was recommended.

[Couperman]

About 5 days or so should do it.

 

It takes a lot of will power though

 

Kev.

[Stevie]

I only lasted 3.

[Abbey Road Girl]

I think it depends on your circumstances. A few days should get them used to thinking of the Eglu, Cube or coop as their home.

 

I am living on my own at the moment and am waiting for my son to get back from working out of town so if one or more of my four ladies decide to head for the wild blue yonder, wings flapping... well, you get the picture.

 

The Omlet man said that they were unlikely to try to fly over my (4 ft?) fences, but I'd druther err on the side of caution than chance a hen stuck at next door's without water while they are out at work.

 

Depends on number of hens, number and nimbleness of you and family, height of fences and whether or not you like to gamble. But then I'm a bit of a worry wart!

[jomaxsmith]

The Poultry Centre I got mine from said allow about a week, then for the first few days let them out about an hour before sunset so that they won't go far before wanting to roost back in their home and then gradually increase the time you allow them.

 

I was so nervous the first time I let them out - then it was a major anti-climax as they went about 4 paces from the run door and no further, then ducked back inside and I shut the run door, relieved it was over!

 

Jo

[Egluntyne]

5 days is the Omlet recommendation.

[Chickybaby]

I only waited a couple of hours with my first ex-bats and they were fine. I got some more ex-bats a few of weeks ago and just put them straight in the garden to free range with the others and have had no problems whatsoever.

[..lay a little egg for me]

I think it depends a bit on the type of hen. Some are more flighty than others according to the Domestic Fowl Trust lady from whom we got our hens. Legbars and their hybrids have a tendency to go off apparently.

 

I kept mine in for a week and they hardly went any distance from the run at first. A neighbour kept hers in for 3 days and hers went waaaaaay away A neighbour of hers who is about a mile away had to return one of the hens!!

 

So, personally, I wouldn't rush!

[Scotty]

We waited a week but I was more worried about how to get them back in again...

 

A tin of sweetcorn did the trick!

[redhotchick]

I waited a week and then let them out about half an hour before sunset. Making it longer each time. They aren't wing clipped, my garden is fairly secure (5ft panels) No access to main road. I didn't choose a flighty breed.

If they had got into the neighbours I would have been straight after them.

There are lots of factors and you have to weigh it up giving consideration to advice that you receive. I wouldn't rush either.

Someone on here had a chicken that managed to get on the shed roof first time out. I'd have been so anxious - as I'm sure they were!