NEWBIE ALERT - When and how to free range older relocated hens

[llefave]

I have searched Backyard Chickens and cannot find an answer so please forgive me if this question has already been answered. I bought four laying hens and a coop. The guys said they are about a year old and just started laying a few months ago. The hens were kept in a different pen so when they moved to our house, everything was new. They had never been in the coop before. All chickens have continued to lay one egg a day.

First problem was getting them inside the little house at night. We have coyotes. I had to go out and grab them one by one and put them in the house to lock it up. Last night was the first night I tried talking to them. The two red ones seemed to understand and started to climb the little ramp and with one last nudge went into the house. The two white ones had to be caught and pushed in one at a time. So I am seeing progress in this area. YEA!! Tonight I am going to try a small light in the house to lure them in?

Second problem - Tomorrow we plan to put up a bit of a run coming off the front of the coop to give them a bit more room to do their thing during the day. My goal is to let them free range. I have had them a week tomorrow. How long is a good amount of time to keep them locked up in the coop? If I let them out will they just come back to the coop at night or will they be confused? Are chickens like cats, you leave them inside for a while, they get the scent of their home and they never leave?

Last stupid question - can you train chickens like dogs? I tried shaking a little food to go in the house and they didnt get it? I dont think the previous owner had much interaction with them because there were two roosters that would attack. If I shake a container with food and trow in a couple pieces, then repeat a few times a day will they learn? Can you teach an old chicken new tricks?

LOVE this site!! Thank you in advance, I promise as I learn I will contribute.

 

[galvinj]

I kept mine locked in the coop, not the run, for one week straight. I interacted with them daily. At the end of the week I let them out into the run and at dusk they all went back in the coop.

 

[donrae]

Chickens are great creatures of habit, especially when it comes to where they sleep. Take advantage of that! When you start ranging them, let them out an hour or so before dusk. They won't as a rule go far at first anyway, and the lure of bedtime will bring them back to the coop/run. Gradually stretch the time earlier and earlier and keep an eye on them. Seems from time to time you get a wandering hen who wants to go see the neighbors--that's a bad thing.

You mentioned coyotes, though...what are your plans to keep your birds safe while they're ranging? Coyotes hunt all day long.

 

[llefave]

Most of our yard is fenced and has hedges around it. Our property is long so anything in or out the back has to go by the sides of the house. We used to have gates on the sides, over time we took them down. I imagine we will have to put them back up? I dont suppose you can set boundaries with chickens?? LOL

Thank you for the comments.

I ave been going out talking to them. About four times today, so far, I am shaking a container with sunflower seeds and after I shake I sprinkle a couple and hold my hand out with a couple. They started taking seeds out of my hand. All but one.