I read this post and laughed so hard. Then, I found a watermelon plant growing in the straw/poop pile at my place. Sure enough, I had given my hens watermelon (which they thoroughly enjoyed) and I got a watermelon plant. Thanks for the fun.
I let mine free range the last hour before dark. When it comes time for bed, they just go back to their pen, go in and get on their roost for the night.