Chickens outside of the coop for the first time

[mroger82]

So I have had my chicks/pullets (about 11 weeks old now) locked inside their new coop I built for almost a week now. Today with a high of 70, I opened the door and let them out for the first time. The first one was kind of pushed out by the others who were curious as to what was outside of their small universe up to now. I coaxed more out with some food, but ended up going inside the coop and helping the rest out without spooking them too much. After a while, they started doing what chickens do and were milling around the coop, scratching, pecking and eating things. They have not ventured far from the coop at all. My question is, how do I go about getting them back into the coop this evening?

 

[acman]

Not exactly positive but they should know what to do when the sun goes down or a little after. my chicks are almost ready for the coop im gonna give a week with no heat and out they go.

 

[red horse ranch]

So I have had my chicks/pullets (about 11 weeks old now) locked inside their new coop I built for almost a week now. Today with a high of 70, I opened the door and let them out for the first time. The first one was kind of pushed out by the others who were curious as to what was outside of their small universe up to now. I coaxed more out with some food, but ended up going inside the coop and helping the rest out without spooking them too much. After a while, they started doing what chickens do and were milling around the coop, scratching, pecking and eating things. They have not ventured far from the coop at all. My question is, how do I go about getting them back into the coop this evening?

At 11 weeks old my young chickens love scratch. I will shake the jar in front of them and then sprinkle it in their feeder inside. They all crowd inside for their treat. Any treat they like will do. You may have to guide them back in but if their door has been open they have probably been going in and out on their own.