Home on the Range #042 – Pros and Cons of Free-Range Chickens
Adam Scepaniak 06.16.23
We have discussed in previous iterations of “Home on the Range” about keeping your very own egg-laying chickens. Without creating a political discussion, the world has gone pretty Looney Tunes lately and the prices of all of our groceries have skyrocketed. So, now more than ever it is becoming wise to have egg-laying chickens so you don’t have to buy eggs in the store as well as “broilers” – chickens specifically bred and kept for meat production. If you do decide to get chickens one of the first conversations people entertain is to either free-range their chickens – part of the time or all of the time – or keep them in a chicken coop at all times. Sometimes where you live will dictate your answer to that question. Other times, you might have the freedom of choice. So, which is better? Let’s dive in and look at the pros and cons of having free-range chickens!
“Home on the Range” Series Coverage on AllOutdoor
Welcome to our reoccurring series of “Home on the Range.” Here, we would like to share all of our experiences for those who may be homesteading, living off the land, hunting, farming, ranching, and truly investing in nature and the great outdoors. The ability to provide for yourself and your family can be tremendously rewarding and simultaneously difficult at times. So, in “Home on the Range” we want to share our different exploits so you can learn and hopefully we can receive your feedback along the way as well.
Chickens, in general, have been a popular topic for “Home on the Range” because they can be such a valuable resource if you are looking at homesteading, ranching, farming, or something in between. In the past we have talked about our favorite breeds for egg-laying (Delaware and Orpington) as well as the “5 Bare Necessities of Raising Chickens.” All in all, it is easy to get into the game of raising chickens, but let’s get back to our original question of whether you should have free-range chickens or not?
Pros of Free-Range Chickens
When it comes to the positive aspects of free-range chickens there are quite a few. The most important that I always preach is that we want to be good stewards of the animals that we keep. So, if your property and where you live allows an opportunity for them to be free-range chickens, I firmly believe you should do so. Not only for the pros of that lifestyle listed below, but your birds will be significantly happier for it.
Cons of Free-Range Chickens
With everything in life there is a give-and-take. So, while there are many positive attributes to having free-range chickens there are inherently risks and negatives as well. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but some things to definitely think about.
So, if you have chickens, we hope you have the opportunity to let them be free (free-range chickens to be exact), but even with space, it might not be for everyone. Even with space, you shouldn’t disrespectfully and errantly need to kill all of the predators on your property (the needs of your tame chickens shouldn’t outweigh those of all wild animals around you). This is all simply food for thought. Free-range chickens are always better, but it needs to fit your lifestyle of taking caring of them, the land you have available, and weighing the pros and cons for your specific situation. As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
