I am a firm believer in “free range” for chickens, or letting them run loose around the yard or whatever you wish to call it for a couple reasons.
The most important to me is that it makes me feel good to see them running “free” and just scratching around the yard eating bugs, grass, and whatever else they can find. Generally in the summer when they are basically foraging for themselves, they eat about 20% or less of the normal amount of grain they would normally consume.
I don’t however, ever let the feed trough go empty.
Even PETA would almost approve of the way I raise my chickens as they usually die of old age, have more than the recommended amount of room, and they run free on most days. I even clear a very large path to the chicken house when it snows, just so they have room to go outside for the exercise and fresh air. Exercise is good for them, just like it is for people, pets, or any other animals.
Letting the chickens forage also improves the quality of the eggs. A chicken will eat what it needs to provide itself with the proper nutrients and proteins. This has been proven under controlled conditions that if a chicken is provided with a dozen feeders filled with different foods, they will pick the ones that they need. This is something that few animals do, even humans.
It is best to remember that a few chickens can do a fairly large amount of damage if they get in a garden or the like. They also often find a favorite spot to “dust”. This is merely rolling in the dirt/soil to kill bugs that are on their bodies, such as lice. It is natural, but it also can leave holes in your yard.
One of the more irritating things they do is leave their dropping all over. I say irritating as it doesn’t actually destroy anything, but it is messy and nasty, especially if the droppings get on your shoes and get tracked into the house.
I recommend if possible, let the chickens run free, help with insect control, and improve the quality of the eggs. Not to mention the massive savings in feed.
Tags: Free Range Chickens