free ranging for limited times

[egyptchick]

My husband accidently left the run door open yesterday. after the initial freak out of finding no chickens in the coop or run ,i found them huddled under to coop. i left them to free range the rest of the day, under supervision. i. would like to do it mpre often but i am concerned about letting them out when we are not here.

how do i let them out for an hour or so and then get them back in the run while we are gone for the day. I should mention my chickens are resistant to food bribery.

 

[jjthink]

Best way to just let them out for an hour is to so do one hour before their bedtime.
JJ

 

[CarolJ]

No food bribery - even mealworms?

 

[Judy]

I know of no good answer for this. That's why most people do their limited free ranging at the end of the day. In my case I can free range in the morning on a hot day, because they will go in the coop where it's cool during the hottest part of the day -- if it's not cloudy or raining. I couldn't chase them all down if I wanted to.

Good luck.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They know their roost so will put themselves to bed. If your going to be home any afternoon/evening let em range then just go out at dusk and close the coop.

With more free ranging time and your company they'll come when you call and run for treats. Scratch is a good treat for training chickens. As their out on the lawn foraging call to them with a handful of scratch now and then. Before you know it their obedient to only your call.

 

[babigyrl22]

I was thinking about letting all my girls free range tonight too. I am a bit aprehensive but it might be a fun experiement and I would do it every night if I was confident. I am sure it's just me.

 

[AlienChick]

I let mine free range also (we have a lot of bugs on our property); but if you just want to let them out for a shorter period, do it about an hour before their bedtime.

They'll put themselves to bed, and all you have to do is close the coop door behind them (count 'em first).

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
The chickens cannot see at night.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

My girls come running when I go into the run with treats. However, since we've built the walk in run, they aren't free ranging as much and the evening idea does work really well.

 

[babigyrl22]

Quote:
The chickens cannot see at night.

:: chuckles :: I mean before they go to bed silly.