orpington ranging distance

[pearl123]

We live on a 3 acre parcel in the country and have a blacktop road approx. 125 yds from the back fence. The property is approx. 250 yards wide. We are considering having orpingtons and would like to let them wander. If the coop was placed on the back fenceline, with plenty of open hayground behind the coop (neighbor's land - no problem), would they end up splattered on the highway?

[farmer mama]

Are you going to get Buffs? I love Buff Orpingtons. I think it should be okay. My chicken do not access a major road but I see many around the roads around here. Especially if it gets some traffic I would think they would be too spooked by the cars to venture.

[pearl123]

Thanks Farmer Mama. I talked with chicken rancher who free ranges chickens close to a hard road and she stated that they had not lost a one to autos.

[reeseccup]

mine don't get to free range yet, but whenever a car zips by the back road, mine fly to the oppisite side of the pen to get away....we also free ranged our chickens growing up and none of ours ever "crossed the road".