If you let your chickens out of the pen, will they come back?

[daniel-delarosa]

Everyone is telling me to let my chickens out so they can eat bugs out of the yard during the day. When you are ready to put them up, go to the feed barrel and get a scoop of scratch and they will come running. It this true?

 

[chickpeaz]

Do they come running IN the coop when you offer scratch? If it's a sound they're accustomed to and they typically respond to you, then I think it's reasonable to expect them to return for it if they've been out.

My neighbors laugh because I can get my flock lined up in just a few seconds with nothing more than a "CHICKCHICKCHICK!" if I stand in the spot where I give them treats. Just the expectation of some stale bread will bring them running!

 

[bills]

I have no idea what your yard is like, flower gardens, patio's, veggie garden, fencing etc., but if you decide to free range your birds be prepared.
It is true they will eat bugs, and once they discover worms, they will go after them with relish as well. But in their quest for these treats, they will begin digging up your flower and veggie garden. They love greens, so be prepared for any veggies getting pecked at as well. Sometimes they will congregate in places such as a patio, and leave nice little piles of poop for you to deal with. Patio chairs and tables can become popular stop off roosts, and may also require frequent cleaning.

You should have a fenced property, or you can expect them to wander into the neighbors after they get brave enough to explore. The fence will also deter neighborhood dogs from "playing" with your birds. If the yard is a large open one, birds of prey may also decide to visit, as the hens will be easy to spot from above.

In addition to my entire property being fenced, I also fenced off sections of my yard, which cost some money, and took some work, but it was worth it. My gardens are not destroyed, the patio remains clean. The area they can roam have large several trees (not so easily spotted from above), and dogs can't access them.

So my advice is, before letting the birds roam free, prepare things first.

 

[BooBear]

We let our flock free range when home and they always put themselves up when it is time to roost. No treats necessary, ofcourse, they would like treats if available. (they are like feathered piggies).

 

[paddock36]

Sometimes I give them some extra scratch and sometimes not. If I let them out earlier than usual then I don't feed them until their normal time or yes, I use the feed to attract them to come in early. Otherwise, I feed them first before letting them out and then they put themselves up at night.

 

[BooBear]

We leave their food and water in the main coop so if they want regular food and water they have to go to the coop to get it. This keeps them associated that the coop is their main home. The gang will forage, lounge in the bushes, dust bathe, sun bathe, and at different intervals go to the coop to get some food and water. They hang out in the coop for a bit then go back out for more foraging, lounging in bushes, dust bathe, sun bathe, and chase the squirrels back up the trees where they belong.

The silly stinkers even harrassed a rabbit out of the yard cus they did not want it eating their grass. Oh and yeah they also like to hang out under the bird feeders.

 

[maizey]

I can call mine now and they actually leave the ground in their haste to get to me and the treat can. Freaks my dog out when they do that

 

[Chick Charm]

yes

 

[pontoosuc]

we used white millet in plastic containers - it made a racket once one started then the rest came running.

if they are outside just before sunset, treat or no treat, they will go into the coop at sunset! like magic.

 

[NonnasBabies]

Mine freerange everyday from dawn till dusk and they put themselves to bed every night!! The only problem I ever have is when one finds it's way in my fenced in garden area. They can get in but can't figure out how to get out!They never try to roost anywhere's else!!