Well, I am writing to let you all know that chickens really do come home to roost. We moved our then 9 week old chicks to their coop (no run yet) and kept them in there for 2 weeks. Then on day 15 I let them out in the evening for about an hour but had to go so caught them and put them back in. Another week passed and then last night I had a free night so I let them out about an hour before sunset to free range(now they are 12 weeks old) and just hung around waiting to see if they really would go back into their coop on their own. So they were all basking in their dust bath and loving life when the sun went down. Still basking and pecking around without any intention of getting ready for bed as it started getting darker. I was about to give in and gather them all up but my DH said to wait just a little longer. Gradually they all moved closer to the coop but kind of just hung around outside it like they weren't quite sure what to do next. Then Bob the cockeral jumped in and started calling to his ladies and one by one within 5 minutes they were all inside and jostling one another for the coveted roosting spots. No treats, no calling, no running around trying to catch them all - easy as pie. So, happy day! It's really true!
