[New Chick]

I have had my chickens for 10days now and they have been out and about in their run but wanted to know if i could let them out to free range our small field? Some of the field does have long (knee high or more) grass is this ok?

They do have lots of space in their run but just wanted to treat them to range about.  I did read that it would be best to let them out a couple of hours before they go to bed so they don't wander to far but am more concerned about the long grass!!

Karol

[SMD66]

they should know where home is by now.  Can't you cut the grass down a bit?

[New Chick]

My strimmer is broken and won't be fixed for another week.

[Roughlee Handled]

New Chick
How old are your chicks?

Long grass can cause compaction of the crop / sour croup. It can be common in younger birds or birds that have not experienced long grass.

What about predators I have lost chickens in broad daylight to foxes. Have you thought of electric fencing?

[New Chick]

The field is well fenced and i am lucky as being from The Isle Of Man we don't have any foxes over here.  The youngsters are about 4 months and not sure about Mum and Dad as they were all given as a gift due to over crouding.

I think i will wait till the strimmer is working and strim them some more space as don't want to make them ill.

Thanks for your replies.

Karol

[Roughlee Handled]

Start em off on a lawn for a week or two and then let em loose. They will come across long grass at some point in there lives.  4 months is 17 weeks (chickens in there first year are measured in weeks not months) 
Just be aware of the symptoms of a compacted crop or sour crop.