Letting chickens free range?

[jessica117]

Herding only works if your chickens are afraid of you

About half of mine I heard into the coop and the other half I have to just walk over to and pick up. I really think herding would be easier at times, like when I'm running toward the garden, arms a flailin', trying to get them out and Moma just almost laughs at me and goes right back to her scratching.

 

[Justino]

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mine arnt scared of me at all but i think they no when i shoo them in the coop that that means its time to go

 

[MRNpoultry]

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For the first few weeks keep them locked up so they learn where there roost are. After that let them walk around during the day. You don't have to catch, they will go in there selves.

Good luck

 

[mooman]

Mine are also not scared unless I'm holding........ THE BIG BAD YARD RAKE!!!!! or any other foreign object bigger than a breadbox.

I can't imagine having to "herd" chickens. They just scatter. Much easier to come up with a call that you use (here chick chick chick) when you give them scratch. Then toss some in the coop. They hop right in. I can bring them in from anywhere on the property now.

 

[mmajw]

Mine go in at night on their own however, I can talk to them and get them in sooner if needed. They like coming in for a few pieces of bread as well.

 

[chcknrs]

Mine go in on their own too. They'll also go in early for a treat.