How do you free range new pullets that aren't tamed?

[Nenad]

I have 2 new pullets that are about to lay this or next month. They are with my 3 ex battery hens in pen. They have been there for 2 days now and I was wondering when and how could I free range them? Ex batts free ranged before and are easy to cafch. Those new 2 I barely can catch inside pen. I don't want to chase them around yard. Any ideas or tips. Thanks

 

[RebelEgger]

I have 2 that were untouchable last year as well. They are just coming up on 1 year old. Once they were in the new coop with our 2 "big girls" and I was confident they knew where home was I let them out to range. They always knew where home was to return to but if I had to catch them it was impossible. This is when food became a friend, like training a dog. I keep a jar of treats in the coop and once they learned that when they hear that shake it means special snacks they would come running. They still aren't crazy about being picked up but it's a lot easier than it used to be. I hope that helps!

 

[adstowe]

I'd keep them locked up for 2 weeks. You shouldn't have to catch them. They should go home at dusk all on their own.

 

[Isadora]

I'd keep them locked up for 2 weeks. You shouldn't have to catch them. They should go home at dusk all on their own.

X2

There's no rush to let them out right away. Have a little patience and keep them cooped for a couple weeks so they learn it's their home and then free range them.