FREE RANGING, A how do you gwet them into their pen BEFORE dusk?

[25bengood2me]

:/My hen, a 6mnth black Australorp mix, and her 2yo Old English Game cock free range usually from 10 AM to dusk. BUT there are days when I want to get them put away before the sun starts setting. I don't want to be outside in the dark.
Today is such a day. It's been raining all day, I'm slipping in the muck. How do you get 2 chickens under controll? They both run & turn opposite directions! I'm here alone, hubby is off accross the road, visiting his old pal & advisor. There was a coyote around the back here yesterday. I just want my chickens to go home!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
How about being sneaky with treats??? go in their pen and offer the treats in there to trap them?

 

[Happy Chooks]

When it's time to put mine in, I go get my cup of scratch. They know what they are getting before I even get to the shed. They follow my right back into their yard.

 

[vstoltzfus]

I trained my hens to come when I call them. They think they're getting a treat. If they at all hesitate I just grab a couple of slices of bread and coax them in.

 

[lovinlife]

I use scratch also. I've trained them to come to my call by only giving them scratch after I make the call. Now, when they see me, they come running whether I have scratch or not. If I want them in before dark, I just get some scratch and call them up.

 

[Imp]

Hold a couple of long sticks in each hand to extend your arm length. Helps with herding.

Imp

 

[Countrywife]

If you leave them locked up the first couple of weeks, they will just go back at night. Mine do it alone every night.

 

[countrychickengirl]

two words - herding stick

 

[Philbilly]

I cheat- I hoot like an owl. They book it for the coop every time!

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

Treats
OR
a net???