Can I get my chickens to hang around in a better place?

This might take some time but you could try always giving them their treats in the same area(where you rather them be). Maybe over time they will associate the area with treats instead of you.

 

The only answer is to block off the area where you don't want them to be, or block them into where you do want them to be.

LofMc

 

Quit being a loving caring, protector! Go around grumbling all the time. Maybe they won't like you any more! You know you look like a big chicken,and a food delivery guy!
Anyway, you ever see those little clicker things they sell in pet stores for I think, cat training? (at least that's what I bought it for) I read somewhere years ago that they were originally designed for chicken training. I don't know if they like or dislike the sound.... I have that thing ...somewhere. If I ever find it, I may experiment. My chickens go everywhere I don't want but I like their company more than I hate their poop!

 

If I happen to be heading to an area that I would like the chickens to explore, I always pick up the highest ranking chickens that I can get my hands on and carry them with me. Most of the time the other girls will follow. I kick around some leaves or dirt or whatever so that they see some bugs. Sometimes they'll take the hint, sometimes not. However, I do find that once they realize the place I've taken them to is a reliable source of bugs that they'll return there on their own on occasion.

However, that doesn't stop them from hanging out at the bottom of the stairs most days (This is where I enter their lives with pockets full of treats.)