May be stupid question from complete newbie

Hello. I am new to keeping chickens and new to Ireland in fact from the US.I would like to keep maybe 5 or 6 hens for eggs and am contemplating chicken house plans to build. I am wondering, is it necessary to have an adjoining pen for the hens, or can I just let them wander around during the day, shutting them up at night? If I put feed in the house, will they naturally go there to roost at night, or will I be herding chickens every evening? Thanks in advance for your answers and for you patience with my inexperience!

Comments

  • edited November -1
    hi and wellcome
    its great to be able to allow your birds freedom
    the only draw back are predetors foxs dogs mink ect
    when im here my birds are out if not they are pened in for thier own protection
    but i have big pens and they dont seem to mind
    i used to have them out all the time till a neigbours dog kill 6 hens
    they will get use to thier new home very quickly you mite have to heard them in for a few nites but they will
    soon begoing to roost on thier own once they are comfortable and happy with thier house
    once they are feed watered kept clean they really are no bother and look after them selves
    after that
    so best of luck and you will get all the help you need on here

    Vinnie
  • edited November -1
    Hi + Welcome Too. Agree with Vinny on this one. I let some of my birds out for a ramble for the first time today. I fenced off about 20m x 20m with electric fencing. Out of 20, only 3 had to be herded in. The rest found their own way back.
  • Sue
    edited November -1
    Hi
    We have ours penned in with a 6ft Chain link It is a large area so they are not too confined but the fox will kill then a neighbour has had his flocked killed twice this winter so we decided not to take any chances
    Sue
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