How do I start my girls free ranging

[jen61871]

I would like to start free ranging my 4 girls and I am not sure how to go about it. This is my first flock.
If I open the door of their run, how do I know they will stay around?
Please any advice and tips will be helpful

 

[123RedBeard]

If you give treats or scratch, save some for the end of the day, or when you want them back in the run ... This will get their attention, and get them running to you!

 

[Bengt747]

You can also check out the article featured on the home page, "Deciding to free range your flock" by CarolJ. There are some interesting tips and suggestions listed inside.

The article can be found with the following link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/deciding-to-free-range-your-flock

 

[FridayYet]

You also might want to start an hour before sundown the first day. Then you can watch them and they will put themselves back to bed at their normal time.

 

[junebuggena]

As long as they know where the food, water, and shelter is, they will be fine. Just open the door to the run. They probably won't go very far for the first couple days. They might not even leave the run on the first day. Be around to monitor how far they get, though. When you want them back in the run calmly herd them back in. I stick helps to gently guide them.

 

[jen61871]

As long as they know where the food, water, and shelter is, they will be fine. Just open the door to the run. They probably won't go very far for the first couple days. They might not even leave the run on the first day. Be around to monitor how far they get, though. When you want them back in the run calmly herd them back in. I stick helps to gently guide them.

Thank you!

 

[jen61871]

You can also check out the article featured on the home page, "Deciding to free range your flock" by CarolJ. There are some interesting tips and suggestions listed inside.

The article can be found with the following link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/deciding-to-free-range-your-flock

Thank you, this was a great article!

 

[OKusmcChckens]

My four girls love freeze dried meal worm. So I save them for when I want to put them back in the run. I shake the bag and they run/fly over and line up at the door waiting for me to throw a handful in the run. Throw the meal worms in and then I just close the door. Took a few days to train them to this, but I can put them back in the run anytime easy this way.

 

[jen61871]

I let the girls out this evening about an hour before dusk and it went well. They stayed together for the most part and close to the coop and run for the most part. 2 of them went in and went to bed by themselves and the other 2 I walked into the run and they followed and then easily ushered them in the coop.

 

[BlessedCountry6]

we use a red pitcher to feed our to bring them in. every time they see that pitcher or a red anything in our hands they come running. glad your first time went well