"Babies" (they're 20+ weeks old) will not return to the run

[ChickenLove123]

I let my chickens out to roam when I go into their run to change their water and food. I was able to successfully train last year's birds to return to the run by making a "chick chick chick" call while throwing scratch into their run.

THIS year, I was away from my flock when they started going outside, and although I gave my chicken-sitter instructions about how to call them in, I am unsure whether she did it, and my chickens IGNORE me when I call them in.

How do you suppose I can train them to come when I call? Should I just keep using my old method and hope they'll catch on?

Thanks for your advice... it was hard to know which board to post my question on... if you have an idea where I should re-post this question, I'm all ears. Thanks!

 

[sumi]

I taught my chickens to come when I call them by rewarding them with food/treats. Why don't you try something they love, like mealworms? I've yet to meet a chicken that wouldn't perform tricks for a mealworm.

 

[ChickenLove123]

Thank you, Sumi. I'll try that.