hahaha! we will let them roam during the hours that we are home, but being in such a wooded area there are alot of predators around. I have seen a bear, bobcat, coyote, and owls in the year we have lived there. When we are home the whole family is outside so the chickens will be safer and have a good rooster to keep a look out, but while we are both at work I want a space they can be outside but safe.