I am raising 5 Barred Rock hens in a neighborhood area and was wondering how far would they stray if I let them roam my backyard. We are on a 3/4 acre lot with a little bit of woods on 2 sides.

Airbalancer, Who can say for sure? Most birds stay fairly close to their food, water, and coop. You will want to keep the hens close to their nests, so they will not start nesting outside. And you might limit their free time to afternoons, so they will mostly lay in their coop and not have time to roam very far before bedtime. But remember, free chickens are an attraction to dogs, especially, and you will want to keep them safe. Tragedy awaits free birds! Good luck, CJR

I had hens that would wonder probably a 1/2 acre away from their coop. They'd always come back and lay in their boxes. However, one day they never came back. A dog or cat or mean neighbor got them. Now I keep my new hens confined in our yard (about 1/5 acre).

I let my hens and pullets out whenever I'm home. They tend to go no more than 30-40 feet away from their coops. There are dogs and cats around, but my chickens chase small animals away, and I haven't had a problem with dogs. I live on an island, so it might be different than on the mainland (different predators).

I have (had) about 10 hens and one rooster. They would wonder around 3/4 of an acre, but watch out for dogs! Cat's aren't a problem my chickens chase them off!

I would make an enclosure. I made an enclosure with chicken coop wire (galvanized)and enclosed the top with what they call "berry mesh protection". So far no predators have stolen any of my chickens. I have 3 Silkies(bantams)and 12 other chcikens of various breeds. Make the enclosure and save yourself the worry later on. I enjoy watching my guys!