We just got into the chicken business yesterday-lol. I have 12 hens and 1 rooster. How long do I need to keep them pinned up? When can I allow them to roam the yard? I live in the country and have a large area for them.
2007-06-14 03:08:54 · 2 answers · asked by coonfield_adams 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
You can let them out at any point really.
Just make sure that at night, they go back in.
Ours we leave in for one or two days and they get the jist of it.
New ones I add to the flock just have to get chased in until they get the idea.
Once they get the idea, they can go out when ever. They will get to know where they can and cant go. Mine never leave the yard.
Then they will go in once it starts to get dark. All you have to do is shut the gate or what ever.
Just be careful for fisher cats, raccoons, and even skunks will eat or kill you chickens. Fox's too. So make sure you shut your flock in.
Good Luck, chickens are alot of fun. I have been raising and breeding them for 10 years now. And they are really great for the bug problems. No ticks and even the flies are down!
2007-06-14 04:23:19 · answer #1 · answered by hickchick210 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend 2-3 days. Normally they won't roam too far and they'll come back to the coop at night. Just watch out for dogs and chicken hawks being around. Normally we only let ours out when we are home. I personally like Cochins the best. They waddle when they walk and it's really funny to watch, pluss hey are pretty friendly.
Letting them roam the yard is good for them. They seem healthier when you do so. And they also eat up all the bugs.
2007-06-14 05:08:28 · answer #2 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋