Even free range chickens won’t roam too far from their coop. Chickens like to be able to see their home at all times, so they are unlikely to travel more than 150 feet from their coop at any time.
When you’re planning or expanding your backyard flock, space is a natural concern. As a good chicken keeper, you want to make sure your chickens have enough space to roam.
Chickens are known for their ability to wander and forage, and the distance they travel can vary depending on a number of factors. But they’re not going to go far.
Still, you need to be mindful of various space considerations as you plan a space for your chickens to roam.
In this article, we’ll explore the natural habitat of chickens, the factors that affect how far they roam, and guidelines for providing enough space for your chickens. Let’s dive in.
The Natural Habitat of Chickens
Before we dive into the specifics of chicken roaming behavior, it’s helpful to understand their natural habitat. Chickens descend from wild jungle fowl, which lived in the forests of Southeast Asia.
These birds roamed over large areas of forest floor in search of food and water.
Domesticated chickens have retained some of this natural foraging behavior. But they have been bred to be more docile and to produce more eggs.
That extra docile nature and the higher frequency of egg production makes it necessary for your chickens to stay relatively close to home at all times.
Chickens also have a strong homing instinct, which means they will typically return to their coop at night. Regardless of how far they roamed during the day.
Factors That Affect How Far Chickens Roam
Several factors can affect how far chickens roam:
- Size of the chicken breed. Larger chicken breeds, such as Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds, are generally more docile and tend to roam less than smaller breeds, such as bantams.
- Availability of food and water. Chickens will typically roam farther if they don’t have enough food and water available in their coop or run.
- Presence of predators. Chickens will stay closer to their coop if they feel threatened by predators, such as foxes or raccoons.
- Type of terrain. Chickens are better suited to foraging in open grassy areas than in densely wooded or rocky areas. They’ll roam farther in flat, grassy spots.
- Climate and weather conditions. Chickens are less likely to roam on hot, sunny days or during periods of heavy rain or snow.
How Far Do Free-Range Chickens Roam?
Free-range chickens are allowed to roam outside of their coop and run, typically during the day. The USDA defines free-range chickens as having “access to the outdoors,” but the specifics of what that means can vary.
Studies have shown that free-range chickens typically roam an average of 50 to 150 feet from their coop. However, the exact distance depends on the factors listed above.
Real-world scenarios can also impact how far free-range chickens roam. For example, if your property is located in an area with a lot of predators, your chickens may stay closer to the coop for safety reasons.
How Far Do Confined Chickens Roam?
Confined chickens, on the other hand, are kept inside a coop or run. These chickens have less space to roam. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they are unhappy or unhealthy.
Factors that can impact how far confined chickens roam include the size of the coop and run, the number of chickens, and the availability of food and water.
On average, confined chickens will roam less than free-range chickens. However, it’s still important to provide enough space for your chickens to move around and engage in natural behaviors inside their enclosed living space.
Providing Enough Space for Your Chickens
Whether you keep free-range or confined chickens, it’s important to provide enough space for them to move around comfortably.
The general rule of thumb for free-range chickens is to provide at least 10 square feet of space per bird in the coop. And at least 100 square feet of space per bird in the run.
However, more space is always better if it’s available.
For confined chickens, the recommendation is at least two to three square feet of space per bird in the coop, and at least eight to 10 square feet of space per bird in the run.
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines. The specific needs of your chickens may vary based on their breed, size, and behavior. Keep an eye on your chickens and make adjustments as needed to ensure they have enough space to move around comfortably.
When designing your coop and run, make sure to include plenty of perches, nesting boxes, and other features that will allow your chickens to engage in natural behaviors.
FAQs
Why is it important to understand how far chickens roam?
Understanding how far chickens roam is important for providing enough space for them to move around comfortably and engage in natural behaviors. This can help ensure that your chickens are healthy and happy.
What factors can impact how far chickens roam?
Factors that can impact how far chickens roam include the size of the chicken breed, availability of food and water, presence of predators, type of terrain, and climate and weather conditions.
Can I keep chickens in a small backyard?
Yes, you can keep chickens in a small backyard as long as you provide enough space for them to move around comfortably.
Follow general guidelines for space requirements, but be prepared to make adjustments based on the specific needs of your chickens.
What if my chickens roam too far?
If your chickens are roaming too far, try creating physical barriers, such as fences or netting, to keep them contained to a specific area. You can also try providing more food and water in a central location to encourage them to stay closer to the coop.
Let Your Chickens Roam — Within Reason
How far chickens roam is an important consideration for any chicken owner. Factors like breed, availability of food and water, and the presence of predators can all impact how far chickens will roam.
But the bottom line is this: Chickens like to roam a little. It’s natural. So you should let them. Within reason.
Don’t let them stray so far that they’re in danger. But don’t keep them cooped up too much. Strike a balance to help your flock thrive.