Is there a better way?

[Balbinka]

Be very consistent!

What I've found to work with my chickens (I know, different but helpful) is to stick to a schedule.

Set a time of day when they are let out.
Set a time of day when they are let back in.

Do NOT offer treats except in the coop when it's time to go to bed in the evening.
Worked like a charm (for me) ! My chickens have only just started going on range, and this plan worked well.

Prey animals are animals of routine. Stick to a routine, and make sure something is "in it for them".
They will soon learn that bed time is the best time of the day!

 

[Kaitie09]

I don't believe we have many predators other than raccoons and opossums. I have lived here or 20 years and have never once seen anything bigger than that, and we have game cameras set up all over our property. Also, we have a "cat shed" about 20 ft from the run. There is constantly food out there. We have 9 indoor/outdoor cats that are fed in there, but in nice weather they do not sleep in it. Do you think that since there is free cat food in there at all times, it will deter the predators from going after something that is a bit harder and more time consuming?