Hey everyone! 👋
One of the biggest decisions chicken keepers make is whether to free-range or keep their flock in a run. Both have their benefits and risks, so let’s break it down to help you decide what’s best for your flock!
✅ Pros & Cons of Free-Ranging
🌱 Pros:
✔ Chickens get natural food sources (bugs, grass, weeds = better egg quality!)
✔ More exercise & mental stimulation = happier, healthier birds
✔ Less need for commercial feed, saving money
✔ Chickens help with pest control in gardens
⚠ Cons:
❌ Predator risk – Hawks, foxes, raccoons, and even dogs can be a threat
❌ Chickens may wander into neighbors' yards
❌ Harder to find eggs if they lay outside the coop
❌ Can destroy gardens by scratching up plants
✅ Pros & Cons of Keeping Chickens in a Run
🏡 Pros:
✔ Better protection from predators
✔ Easier to collect eggs & monitor health
✔ Less chance of chickens wandering too far
✔ Protects gardens and landscaping
⚠ Cons:
❌ Requires more feed since they aren’t foraging as much
❌ Can lead to boredom & pecking issues if space is too small
❌ Run needs maintenance (mud, dust, or compacted dirt)
🐓 Finding a Balance – Best of Both Worlds?
Some chicken keepers use a hybrid system, where chickens free-range for part of the day but return to a secure coop at night. Others use a mobile chicken tractor, giving them fresh grass while staying protected.
💬 What do you do—free-range, run, or a mix of both? What’s worked best for your flock? Drop your thoughts below! 🐔👇📸
