There are a couple of different ways you could go about this. They will almost certainly return to the coop when it is time to go to bed. I say almost certainly instead of absolutely because it’s possible they can get stuck behind a fence and not realize they need to go through the gate. Those birdbrains don’t always understand the concept of “gate” very well. I wish I had taken video where they are desperately trying to get to the coop but won’t walk five feet along the fence to get to the same gate they have been going in and out of all day. You may have to help them a little bit. Anyway, if you let them out about a half hour before bedtime and stay with them, they should put themselves to bed.
Chickens can be trained to come to you when you call. That involves food. Get a special container that treats rattle in. Feed them treats from that container while rattling it and calling “Here Chick, Chick” or whatever you consider appropriate. It won’ take long for them to come running to you whenever you rattle that container, let alone call them. Just be consistent and always feed them the treats when you rattle the container or call.
Those poor girls scratching and pecking at that dirt, taking dirt baths, are much better off than many other chickens. While they will enjoy the green stuff and other opportunities, I seriously doubt they are having a poor life.
