Do you free range? Thinking about having your chickens free range? We don't want this to talk you out of it, but we want to talk about the issues around free ranging.
@TheWyomingHomestead Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! Always so great to have all the information so people know what they are getting into!
@graceandfire Жыл бұрын
My personal opinion is that no matter if you free range or keep them locked up or do a hybrid (what I do), it’s so much better than them being in the “industry”. And wow, the payoff is so rewarding. Okay…funny note. You mentioned that chickens are professional landscapers. Last year, my girls started their own company. They’re now called the Molting Chicken Landscapers, LLC. 😂 I have private videos of their professional work. 😂 So I got a kick when you mentioned they’re landscapers. 😂 Anyhow, great video!!!!! I really enjoyed both parts!!! Hit every point.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
They are professional landscapers! It's unreal how much "work" can be accomplished in a day! I really agree with you about them being so much better than being in the industry. Yuck! Cheers Glenda!!
@graceandfire Жыл бұрын
@Jen Carlsen 🤣 I hear that loud and clear.
@christynm.89333 ай бұрын
😂🤣😂 The CUTEST little fluffy butted landscapers EVER!! 🥳❤️🐓
@TexasHomesteaders Жыл бұрын
I consider the poop a bonus. My grass is always green even in a drought. My Crock wedges are washable thank goodness. lol. Your chickens are healthier if they free range. Sorry for your loss.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I agree. My shoes are washable. It's just an inconvenience. We love our girls being out free ranging! Thanks for the nice thoughts! Cheers Tommy & Cheri!
@ASDiyCrafts Жыл бұрын
*Great sharing frd. BIG LK FRD 👍☕🙏 Thank you so much for share*
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting!
@MyAussieGardenKitchen Жыл бұрын
G'day Rich. Just deleted a huge reply and just say that I am so sorry for your loss. Especially in a circumstance like this. There are real risks, but I'll always free range my girls as best I can. I really am sorry mate and you and Holly take care. Daz.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I was upset because the guy drives like a maniac. It was a foggy morning, and he was driving way too fast. I don't let the girls out until I know he is at work! Thanks for your notes, Daz! We appreciate the support!
@HickorycroftFarm Жыл бұрын
Great points and info people need to think about. We free range as well and it certainly can be challenging at times, but like you said, the pros outlay the cons.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
The pros definitely outweigh the cons but there are days where I wish I had a fulltime babysitter! Cheers!
@northerngirlhobbies Жыл бұрын
Great video Rich, as I wake up to Gordina doing the cockadoodledoo. Gordino needs to go. We don't have the threats here that you have with free ranging. That being said, small property, fully fenced. Have a great day.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Small property with protection, perfect! I know you treat them all well. I just need to hire a fulltime babysitter for my girls!! Cheers!
@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999 Жыл бұрын
So sorry about the loss of your two ladies! 🥺 We free-range our chickens as well and No shoes allowed in our house.. That's the number one rule! 🤣
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I love it! Occasionally I'll walk in the house. Holly quickly lets me know that I get to clean the rug by the door!! Cheers Barb!!
@SageandStoneHomestead Жыл бұрын
Before we moved here the people that owned this place had free ranged their birds and they ate the neighbors cattle feed and pooped on his equipment. They also got into their gardens. I wouldn't have probably free ranged anyway because I don't like stepping in poo and hunting for eggs, but I see the benefits for sure!!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
We don't get the lost eggs. The poo is a real issue at times!! Nitrogen everywhere!! Cheers Heather!
@WhiskeynSunshineOffGrid Жыл бұрын
All great point Rich. There are good and bad with them., but I agree, the benefits outweigh the bad. Take care.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
The benefits are huge. It sure makes for a LOT of tracking on certain days! I'd like to have GPS tags on them on certain days! Thanks for watching Shelley!
@CopperIslandHomestead Жыл бұрын
Great thoughts. I can't free range mine where I am, but I know they'd love it!! We are hoping to get a bigger run built by next year, so they at least have more space than they do now ❤️
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
A big run can really do a great job of simulating free ranging. I've seen people make a huge run in a different part of the yard and they have a "tunnel" going to the big run. Cheers Jennifer!
@CopperIslandHomestead Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm That's a great idea. I may need to dream on that a little this winter 😊
@MtnGrandma Жыл бұрын
I really love for the chickens to be able to free range sometimes. But not all the time. Now at the new property we haven't let them do that yet because we're still worrying about predators. Great info! 😊👍💗
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I hope you figure out what predators you have and find a way to work around them. Have a great weekend!
@londoncity1 Жыл бұрын
I’m glad this works for ya most of the time. Sorry about the ones that you lose. We have too many critters around that want to eat chicken to let ours out without constant supervision. Take care, Annette🌺
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
We buy more chicks than we need, knowing that we'll lose a few on the way to adulthood. Thanks for watching Annette. Please subscribe to join us on our journey. Have a great week ahead!!
@vlognhocuaminhnhat4119 Жыл бұрын
Hi my friend. You shared interesting information. I like it. 👍👍🤝
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks again for watching!
@Pennies_on_the_dollar Жыл бұрын
Well there always seems to be good and bad with anything, but I agree if your situation allows, let them free range!! The landscape experts and the dirt pile was epic 🤣🤣🤣 So sorry your lost two there, to an inconsiderate person like that. Could tell it hit home for sure, nature calls but sometimes a human interfernce is ridiculous 😡 Very good information Mr Rich, on.bith sides of the fence per say😁😁😁👍👍👍👍 Cheers my friend!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Nelson. If you ever need some excavation work, let me know. I'll send the girls down your way! The guy in teh car really got to me. A senseless loss of two ladies. Take care!
@Pennies_on_the_dollar Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm 😁😁😁😉😉😉🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍
@mynewanimalfamily Жыл бұрын
Really interesting. I appreciate for you to share this contents! 🐶🐱
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support!!
@gardeningmadeeasywiththeol3945 Жыл бұрын
There are even some problems in paradise ! ( like at Anfield) Best Wishes.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
You keep reminding me of the issues with Liverpool. You're rubbing it in Paul!! Have a great day!!
@TheGypsyandtheVanillaGorilla Жыл бұрын
Great Sharing definitely pros and cons to both sides and you have explained them well.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks for stopping by! We appreciate the support! Cheers!
@zaccariasippidabarbersmith Жыл бұрын
Sorry for your girls. That’s hard. Respect and Salute 🤠🤠🤠🤠🐓🐓🐓🐓
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and the kind words. It was hard to lose our hens. That driver is nuts. Take care!
@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors Жыл бұрын
Great video Rich, nice topic on the cons of free ranging chickens.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Sorry you had to watch the bad stuff Joey! Have a great week!
@tav975510 ай бұрын
Love part about the girls being landscape experts.
@TheOldSwedesFarm10 ай бұрын
They are definitely good about moving dirt.......and grass and plants..... Cheers!
@JesusLovingHomesteader Жыл бұрын
So much knowledge in this video! My sister had a tornado hit and a huge oak fell in her yard. Its huge and still alive by the roots still being in the ground. Theres no way for her to get to the middle of the foliage on the ground so she ended up finding a bunch of newly hatched chicks haha ! The chickens were laying in the middle
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Now that is funny! It must've been a nice, protected spot, for a long time! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
@LifewithBlindaandChuck Жыл бұрын
Our neighbor lets his free range and they come a pretty good ways through the woods to our house every so often. Dogs leave them alone for the most part unless they get too far into the yard, then it's a race to the woods. I think only one has been too slow so far. I like to watch them. They do get out on the road and it's sort of a curve and woodsy on both sides, so every now and then, one will just dash out across the road at the last minute and get hit.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
The road is a challenge. I was upset because the guy was (and always is) driving like a maniac, on a foggy morning. I'm responsible to keep my girls out of the road but it seemed like he hit them on purpose. Really upset me. Thanks for watching! Cheers Chuck & Blinda!
@LifewithBlindaandChuck Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm I understand. Some people are just like that. Hate that. I can imagine that it would upset you.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
@@LifewithBlindaandChuck I was quite upset with the driver and upset about losing two of our ladies. I usually don't get emotional but had tears in my eyes as I was filming the road scene. A tough day. Cheers!
@Yeshuaschosen Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm I'm sorry about your chickens getting hit. We live beside a 2 lane highway on a straight stretch so none of my animals run loose (not even the cats)My neighbor tried but they died.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
@@Yeshuaschosen Longterm, I will get out entire property fenced in. The girls will have to fly out! I was really disappointed with the car driving that fast. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers Patricia!
@jase_drifter Жыл бұрын
Howdy Rich, I lmao at the landscaping expert`s comment, I believe mine are artists who are never happy with their work as they are constantly redesigning it lol. Unfortunately, there are inconsiderate tool bags in the world ( they seem to be breeding as there are more and more out there these days)I am very sorry for your loss 😢😢
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
My hens don't really redesign. They just dig deeper!! You are correct about the tool bags...... Cheers Jase!
@xandervalltessa3685 Жыл бұрын
Keep the great videos coming!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks for stopping by to watch. We try to have a couple videos each week. Thanks for your support!
@AHomesteadingHustle Жыл бұрын
We completely free range our chickens and have experienced some of this over the years. Recently we noticed our egg numbers dip a bit and we ended up finding two nests, one in our hay shed and one behind some old tomato cages. That's always a bummer! So sorry about the hens you lost on the road, so frustrating. 😥
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
We were really bummed about the car incident. I was really upset as it happened right in front of me. I wouldn't be too worked up about the two nests. It's been really cool outside, so I bet the eggs are still good to eat. At least you found them! Cheers!
@mickelsonfamilyhomestead Жыл бұрын
Good points we also let our chickens goose and ducks free range, you should of done what’s the positives of free ranging so many benefits of free ranging then in a fence! I live on a gravel road and people drive 60 MPH down it to 🙄
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Watch the end of the video. It links to my positives of free ranging video (from last Friday). There will always be issues. I just need to fence my property to alleviate a few. Cheers!
@mickelsonfamilyhomestead Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm I didn’t even hear the positives I watched the whole video I am at work prolly got distracted I will give it a re-listen!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
@@mickelsonfamilyhomestead The positives are on a separate video that is linked at the end. You can watch the video and it was released on 10/7.
@DawnRaeB Жыл бұрын
"Space" and "Poop". Exactly! Not much space equals chicken dookie where you walk and/or on your front step. Hahaha... my hens like to sit on my chair and leave a package. I'm laughing so hard as you talk about poop. I'm sorry about the girls you've lost. I agree... that the benefits outweigh the problems. But I haven't lost one yet. So maybe I'll change my mind. Very good information here!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
It's good to know that we're not the only ones dealing with dookie!! You can tell that your girls love free ranging! They are out cleaning up all the bugs, weeds, etc. Thanks for watching Dawn!! Have a great week!
@marvona3531 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing🌸🌸🌸
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
While there are problems with free ranging, we wouldn't have it any other way! Thanks for watching!
@ketoMike Жыл бұрын
Nice contrast video
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Had to show the good and the bad. The good really outweighs all the negatives. Thanks for watching Mike!
@hardnackfarms1736 Жыл бұрын
Hey there Rich. We have the wild turkeys here and those problems with the little bombs. Chickens and roosters get loose we have some in our woods they survive for a shirt bit but the big predators get them. We have tons of predators. Thanks for sharing this Rich! Blessings. Wendy🙏🏻🌎🇺🇸
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
It is fun to see all the turkeys in your area, but I bet they cause a lot of problems for your gardens. We're so out in the open that we rarely get predators here (other than hawks/eagles). Cheers Wendy!
@MayfieldRanch Жыл бұрын
There always seem to be challenges, but I agree the benefits outweigh the problems.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I hate the "manmade" challenges but know what to look for with the others. Thanks again for stopping by Cady!
@carolgately4234 Жыл бұрын
That's so sad..I live at a dead end street and i own what surrounds the dead end. But i still have signs up everywhere to slow down chickens crossing.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
This guy seems to be a jerk and always drives fast. I just wait til he is at work before I let the girls out now. Thanks for watching Carol!
@heatherhollander664 Жыл бұрын
I free range, they love it. I try to look at it as quality vs quantity. I have problems with the egg hunt 38 eggs In a cat carrier. I've had some injured and lost one to horse stepping back on her. I had one stay out all night and got frost bite on her comb. But they are so much happier to be out and about. I choose to take the risk. The ones that were injured were brought in or healing( aloe vera gel) and house time. I suppose some would say it terrible but for me I see how happy they are. I also see that they learn, and make safer choices. I love them, they love me, and I choose to take the chance. Poop is poop, but they have even learned not to poop on me when I hold them. One that while recovering in the house decided that was what papertowels were for and I swear she was potty training herself.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I love the things they find to lay in. The cat carrier is perfect! Our first summer, a girls found the barn (before we had cleaned it out) and had a dozen eggs in a tire. It sounds like you're a great Chicken Mom, who takes care of them if they get into trouble! We just need to be ready for anything. I love the paper towel training. They are smarter than we give them credit for. Cheers Heather!
@flowerfolkfarm3553 Жыл бұрын
Oh no Rich, that’s really disappointing and avoidable if people took more care on the road! So sorry 😞 Critters you can understand, it’s part of the natural cycle… I had no idea raccoons ate them! You raised some great points, there’s always pro’s & cons with free ranging livestock… but when they’re in the wild it’s the same risk….. they really love being nosy free rangers that’s for sure 😂💕💐
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Our girls love checking out everything (and getting into everything!). I was really bummed with the guy who hit the girls. He just drives too fast. Thanks for watching and commenting! Have a great week!
@flowerfolkfarm3553 Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm yeah I’m so sorry for you, it’s really sad to lose them….. ♥️
@crubbythebeagle57 Жыл бұрын
old swede free range chickens nice
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Cheers!
@stephansimard4448 Жыл бұрын
They just wanted to get to the other side!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Absolutely!! Cheers Stephan!
@cantinhodaluoficial Жыл бұрын
Saludo may friend
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching!
@user-or7fz6zs4v Жыл бұрын
♥♥
@peculiarstar5778 Жыл бұрын
i wish we could free range, but we know in our situation that it's safer for our girls (we call them that, too) to stay in an enclosure. they seem happy, too, so that's all that matters.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
You're right. That's all that matters. Kinda funny about the names. We're always calling them Girls. We also call this years group, the Little and the older chickens, the Bigs. Funny what we call our hens! Cheers!
@jamiescountryliving Жыл бұрын
We let ours range for 5 to 6 hours in the afternoon. Lol... Our guinea free ranges 24/7 she lays where ever she wants. Lol
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I've heard that Guinea Hens are loud and lay wherever they want. Do you ever find the eggs?
@jamiescountryliving Жыл бұрын
Aww sorry Rich😢
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
It was a tough loss. Thanks for your concern! Cheers Jamie!
@YogiHollowFarm Жыл бұрын
Still worth it to free range…loss is inevitable. And with more eating comes more pooping lol
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
There is a LOT of eating!!! They are munching almost non-stop all day! Cheers Lisa!
@pinesedgefarm1155 Жыл бұрын
Oh yeah, the 💩 on the front steps. Just like anything else in AG, it's a gamble. You have good days and bad days.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
That might be the best way to put it. Good days and bad. Thanks for watching! Have a great week!
@805BBQJUNKIE Жыл бұрын
Rich that would piss me off if I woke up to that dang
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I was walking down my driveway towards the road and saw him fly by and heard him hit the hens. I was really ticked off and saddened by the act. Really unnecessary. I hope you're good. Have a great week Jorge!
@805BBQJUNKIE Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm call me next time I'll give him a peace of my mind
@clivesconundrumgarden Жыл бұрын
Good points. Positives seem to out way negatives. This question is off topic but I'm wondering with your property being surrounded by corn, is there any issues with that? I'd assume dust a couple times a year, but is the any risk to your gardens when/if the spray fertilizer or herbicides? Cheers
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
We have really good communication between us and the Farmer. He lets me know when he might spray something. It's usually before I plant my garden and he only sprays when the wind will take any spray away from our garden. He's really a great guy. I've got a ten-foot buffer between the property line and my garden too. I think we're in good shape!
@clivesconundrumgarden Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm ah very cool Rich !! It's great to have good relationships and communication!! Great video btw.
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
@@clivesconundrumgarden Thank you!
@Yeshuaschosen Жыл бұрын
I don't know any city that allows free ranging anymore .
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I know that some around here will allow free ranging, if your yard is fenced. Being in a city adds a few layers of complexity. Cheers Patricia!
@pjourneys5337 Жыл бұрын
Nice problem !
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
It wasn't very nice of the driver. I can live with the other problems!! Cheers!
@christynm.89333 ай бұрын
AWWW...THOSE POOR GIRLS THAT GOT HIT BY A CAR😢😭 ITS SOOO SAD THAT PPL ARE SUCH ASSHOLES THEY CANT JUST STOP FOR A SEC AND LET CHICKENS MOVE OUT OF THE ROAD!!!
@TheOldSwedesFarm3 ай бұрын
I was outside when it happened. The guy really was flying down the road. I know the car and keep an eye out for him now. I really focus on keeping the hens out of the road. Not everyone is kind and wants to slow down for animals in the road. This guy was a real jerk that day. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment. Cheers Christy!
@honorlife6679 Жыл бұрын
Im trying to have have 1000 chickens in 3 to 4 Hector, and i can fence it they can be kind of free range chicken, but people always tells me they get sick and they die really fast is there any way to vaccine chickens like 6 months vaccine or 3 months vaccine to keep chickens healthy ?!
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
I believe you can immunize them as chicks against Marek's and a couple things. I don't think you can immunize at six months. You can check with a Vet in your area. Some things (bird flu, etc.) can come on quickly and wipe out your entire flock. Other diseases need to be seen and cured. Check with your local Veterinarian. They would know best.
@honorlife6679 Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm newcastle flowpox and bird flu is common i have found a vaccination program on youtube from few free range farmers, but they only added marek's , newcastle, gumboro, flowpox and coryza, i found a guy he looks like doctor he mentioned almost 26 vaccination but he added alot of vaccination i think he meant for broiler chicken farm, i want to find good vaccination program with bird flu, and i dont know do i need to use vaccine boost every 6 months or annually, i kind hope to find some to be able help me with this schedule
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
@@honorlife6679 This is beyond my knowledge. I've never had any vaccinations for my hens. I'm sorry but I don't think I can give you a good answer. Take care.
@cericson3426 Жыл бұрын
Who the hell runs over chickens it's not like they were running around or darted into the road they were probably just standing there picking at gravel. I almost bet it was intentional
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
It's possible they ran across the road as he was driving by. I saw him drive by me but didn't see the hens. He was driving WAY too fast for the time of day and conditions (light fog). It really ticked me off. I'm sure he didn't slow down and possibly did it to "send a message." Not a nice guy! He's at work by 8am so I wait to let the hens out til then. Long term, I will be fencing in our property. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great week!
@goshen7334 Жыл бұрын
I free range my chickens. I know it’s a risky
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
We buy extra chicks each year, knowing we'll lose some to various issues. It all seems to work out. Cheers!
@goshen7334 Жыл бұрын
@@TheOldSwedesFarm ok, I’ll try that. Thank you for that tip. I over almost 5 acres and they go about as they wish. I worry at times, but they seem to be doing fine. I noticed though, that they don’t roam the entire acreage. They stay close to the house and their coup.
@TheCowEmporium Жыл бұрын
I’m glad this works for ya most of the time. Sorry about the ones that you lose. We have too many critters around that want to eat chicken to let ours out without constant supervision. Take care, Annette🌺
@TheOldSwedesFarm Жыл бұрын
There are days where I want to hire a baby sitter!! Thank you for watching Annette! Cheers!