Free-Ranging Your Chickens

One of the better methods you can do in raising your chicken is to make them free-range. If the space in your yard allows for this, then by all means build them a fixed or movable chicken coop but allow them to free range as well.

Here are some tips and tricks on how you can make your chickens free range yet keep them safe from predators while keeping your expenses to the minimum.

If you have enough space in your backyard, you may want to consider chicken raising free-range style. Free-range chickens taste better and produce high quality eggs.

To ensure that you do not spend too much, choose a corner area so that you already have two sides of the required ‘walls’ of the free-range site.

In putting in the fence posts, make sure that they are set at least 30cm into the ground.

Use only 25mm x 25mm x 2mm wire mesh (chicken wire) to ensure that your flock has the necessary strength and protection against predators of their fencing material.

For the roof, you can either use used fishnets to provide them as much sunlight, fresh air and natural surroundings.

Make sure that the fence reaches up to the roof and that the roof edges extend beyond the fence line.

The entrance door/gate to the free range should be wide enough so that you can truck in a wheel barrow - for bringing in chicken feed, for cleaning purposes etcetera.

Make sure that you have enough perches for the chickens to rest and sleep on during the night.

Make provisions for at least 2 100-watt light bulb sockets in the middle of the free-range enclosure and tarpaulin or plastic covering for the wall during cold seasons and when it rains.

In putting up the fence, make sure it is set at least 30cm into the ground (wire mesh fence and post together) for added protection against predators.

To provide a bigger chicken run for the semi-permanent and permanent chicken coops inside the free-range area, construct the whole structure in a big fenced-in area following the fencing guidelines.

Following the above guidelines will certainly make your chicken raising hobby more enjoyable and a lot more exciting since you can always mingle with your flock during the day time.

Chicken Coops
A guide on building your own coop.