Dangerous to coop up pullets for 5 days

[Rachey62]

How are they now? Back to normal I hope x

 

[CKNNWBEE]

Very much so. But, far more vocal. The smallest one lets loose vocally when the other three go in their playpen.

 

[AVintageLife]

I always keep a mason jar filled about 1/3 full of scratch (or you could use BOSS) on the coop shelf. When they hear me shaking that jar, with the sound of the scratch hitting the lid and I'm yelling "here chick, chick, chick", they know they're going to get a treat. Works great to call the flock in from free ranging if I need to get them in because of a T-storm or I need to leave the property. Also works great when I'm away and someone else is watching them for me. I know that all the sitter will have to do if someone escapes the coop is shake that jar and she will have everyone's attention. To train them just pick a time when they're outside, shake the jar, yell your words of choice and then drop a bit of the treat. Repeat daily until they've got it, which should be pretty quick, they are highly motivated by treats, lol.

 

[CKNNWBEE]

I really like this idea! They will respond now with 'treat treat' in high pitched voice. My cats and Pounce treats worked the same. They could be out in a tree, but once I shook the Pounce container.

Thank you again.

 

[AVintageLife]

So glad it worked for you. It was so scary to me to move my chickies from the safety of the brooder in our house, out to the coop and then let them free range. I was so afraid they'd run away or decide to live in the trees or something. Then I read on BYC about the treat training. This BYC website is so great, you can type in any question or concern and find the answers you need.