Hey Cutechix:
I have a situation similar to yours, and had the same fears about how far they would go, would they come back etc.
I did nothing for the first 3 weeks. I wanted them to get used to their new home, and to me.
The first day I let them out (about 1.5 hrs.) I stayed with them the whole time, just to see what they would do. They did some exploring, and ranged out about 100 yards. When they got as far as I thought prudent, I rattled the scratch jar and they came running.
Then they discovered their favorite place (under some boxwoods and blueberry bushes), and now pretty much confine themselves to that area. When I let them out in the morning I always have to bribe them back with some scratch.
The last two days I began to let them out late in the evening (6 ish), and I no longer have to bribe them back. When it gets bedtime they go back to the tractor for a bedtime snack, and then up into the coop.
They have not figured out the new schedule though, as they begin begging (lining up alongside of the tractor and looking toward their beloved bushes) to go out early in the day. Eventually they will adapt, as they have with everything else.
Give it a try. They're fun to watch, and you'll be surprised at what they can find to eat. It's a whole new world for them and they will reward you with all kinds of happy sounds.
Bob
