I have read that free rangers will return their roost at night. But will they return to their nestbox in the day? Or will they pick out choice locations in the yard, to lay eggs?
Can depend on breed too, my OEGB I had as a kid would regularly "disappear" for a few weeks and then surprise... cute little chickies!
Yep, they will with the proper introduction to freedom. Once the flock knows where home is(that is 14 days in coop), then start by letting the flock out after Noon, to give most of the flock a chance to lay before they have freedom. I would continue this for at least 2 weeks, or a forever practice. Predators are around in the morning and this gives the flock some safety and laying training. My flock always come back to the coop and nests to lay later during the day, and then run back out to free range. Time spent keeping a close eye on the flock til they are a good functioning flock is worth the effort, it makes life so easy later. bigzio