Chickens on the run

[DeeEinstein]

So, we let our 2 roosters out and about today and we had a hard time getting them to go back to their coop. In fact, one of our roosters decided to take a mini tour of our neighborhood. Any suggestions on how to train them to return to their coop without a struggle? Also, is it necessary to let them roam around out in the yard? What are your thoughts...

 

[Masonicflock]

We turned out ours bout half hr before dark for a few days and would have to herd them back in (thank God the horse didn't like the chickens out and did it for us haha) then increase the time out by a couple to few hours every couple days til you can turn them out all day. If they can roam and find food on their own they will produce better eggs

 

[DeeEinstein]

Ok.. we let them out for about 20 minutes the other day for the first time. They let us know when they were ready to go back inside because they went on their own. However, today was an entirely different story. I went to feed them this morning around 12 and they went out and then after I left for work my boyfriend said he couldn't get them to go back in till sometime after 7. They roamed around for a long time!

 

[animallover505]

Mine go up right before dark every night

 

[DeeEinstein]

I'm just afraid that they won't return to their coop. I don't want to lose them.

 

[animallover505]

They will. It's instinct. They roost before it gets dark

 

[DeeEinstein]

That's true.. every night when I go out to check on them, they're roosting. I didn't think about that being enough of a reason for them to return to the coop. Thanks!