Free ranging and returning home

[spymeg]

We have 5 chickens that have a 20 x 30 pen with a big house inside. They've spent their first year inside and we're thinking about letting them free range. We have 30 fenced acres. If we open the pen doors so they can go out, will they return home each night?

 

[Aapomp831]

Yes, they will return home at night.

 

[Callender Girl]

I would generally say, yes, they will. HOWEVER, I spent a good deal of time tonight trying to lure, persuade and chase my last hen into her coop. Most of the girls, most of the time are perfectly willing to go inside at the end of the day. But, I was fairly frantic when Vanna couldn't be found and everyone else was in the coop. I discovered she could, indeed, hear me and see them. She just didn't feel like going to bed. She not the first stubborn hen, and I'm sure she won't be the last.

 

[NightingaleJen]

I would generally say, yes, they will. HOWEVER, I spent a good deal of time tonight trying to lure, persuade and chase my last hen into her coop. Most of the girls, most of the time are perfectly willing to go inside at the end of the day. But, I was fairly frantic when Vanna couldn't be found and everyone else was in the coop. I discovered she could, indeed, hear me and see them. She just didn't feel like going to bed. She not the first stubborn hen, and I'm sure she won't be the last.

Our Latte did this to me last night, darting away at every opportunity. Stinkerpot.

 

[Alaskan]

I always make sure the flock is well trained to come when I call (call out, shaken with scratch, toss scratch) before letting them free range.

Chasing chickens is tough and best done with 3 people and a dip net...

Calling chickens to come to you... easy 1 person job.

 

[CluckerFamily]

They will return.
A rooster will also make sure they all return... I should add that a good rooster will make sure they all return.