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

[Poplars]

Our chickens have been going through a rough time (one has been bullied) and we started today to get them back together after 3 weeks apart. This was done by free ranging them together.

 

Normally thery would be allowed to free range at weekends when there is somone in the house, but not during the week, as no one is in the house.

 

They have a pretty big run, but it is only bark chips, and we thought they were getting bored (hence the bullying) But in another thread someone said that by freeranging them they were going to feel more confined in their run... does this mean we should never let them out, that seems quite mean though... I don't know any more!

 

Any help appreciated

 

Eve

[Egluntyne]

I should just let them free range when you can and give them things to play with in the run, such as a peckablock or a cabbage.

 

You have to tailor their lives to fit in with your work etc, and as long as the run is spacious they will come to no harm.

[AJuff]

I'm sure my chooks know my work routine and when holidays are here. i think they adapt very well. As soon as I appear they gather round the door waiting to be let out. But if i sneak up on them they are very happy in their run, they only make a racket when I'm there!

 

Free ranging is at your convenience not their's!