We decided to start free-ranging for a few hours each day a few days ago.... Now they HATE coming back in... we've ended up having to grab them and put them back in... but i know that scares them Yes, I know.... Treats.... But we tried that today! And guess what? They were so content outside they didn't even WANT to get the treats? Any other ways?
Mine are in a fairly large fenced area -- we herd the little ones with the help of the older chickens on a lucky day. Otherwise...it's catch them and put them away. Most of them will go in on their own once it gets dusky outside.
Well... See theres a problem with that.... Unless we stay out there... My cat Milo (An orange tom cat with an attitude) will tear them to shreds
lol i just use a plastic blunt rake so it dosnt hurt them but i pretty much just hear them into a group and lead tyherm to the coop .!
They *should* go in on their own right before the sun sets. Maybe you could let them out just a little before dusk that way you don't have to supervise for long? I use the survival of the fittest method---if you don't go in the coop, find a tree or become coyote snacks! LOL
