New daytime free rangers

[shawnhunts]

I have recently let my flock free range during the day when I am home. How do I make sure they go back to the coop to lay their eggs? I have all different ages of hens. thanks,
shawn

 

[Smarcebird]

Just wait till the sun starts to set, they'll all head back to the coop on their own. Amazing chickens!

 

[Omah09]

I think Shawn has the same concern as I do. I have 4 EE pullets (6 mos). Only one is laying. I've gotten 4 little eggs in 2 weeks. She goes in and out of the nest box. If I let them out to free range in their day run will she lay an egg in there? How will I know when she wants to lay? Should I only let them out in the afternoon in hopes that she'll lay in the morning?

 

[mommissan]

I feel so guilty keeping them locked up in the run. I only let them free range in the evening just before roost time. If I let them out any earlier, I keep my eye on them and keep them moving around so that no one hides and squats on me. They are all starting to lay and I don't want to lose any eggs. Until most of them have learned to use the nest boxes, they will be in lockdown most of the day.

 

[Eggcessive]

You might take some time to observe when your chickens lay perhaps on a weekend or day off. I was around mine to know they tend to lay between 9am-1pm, so I keep them in the coop and run until at least noon, then let them out. I had a couple jumping over the fence to lay in secret places, so I had to break them of that.