Quote: Trick is to have them come when you call them. Mine will come whether or not I am carrying the scratch can. I call Chick-chick-chikie! and they hoof it on over regardless of how far away they are, just in the HOPE of getting a yummy. Just start using your call whenever you treat them, especially when they are penned up, so they are not distracted and can learn what you are doing. Start calling before you toss the treat and while they are eating. The association will happen very quickly. It only takes one to get it and the other will learn from her. The first few times you call them from the woods, have a treat/reward. After that, you only need treats intermittently. Works better when the treat is yummy. Scratch is like crack for chickens. Very addictive.
Mine love cantaloupe guts, kale, any kind of meat, Quaker oats, and wild bird food/seed.
Edit to add:
Posted before I read it, but Ol Grey Mare's shaker bottle is same idea, but better in that you won't look like a crazy chicken lady calling your chickens home. I know my neighbors are snickering at me from the other side of the fence. All my chickens are named and I talk to them like
they understand me a crazy chicken lady.