Teaching Older Hens to Free Range

[Candimom]

I bought my two hens when they were about 13-14 weeks old and they did not grow up with much of a chance to free range. I've had them about 3 months and during that time they've only come out of their enclosed run a handful of times to peck around the grass and bugs. Should I try spacing out how often I give them pellets? Right now I've got their feeder moved to the open area to encourage them to come out more.

I will add that I've only got the 2 ladies and they have about 16 sq feet in their enclosed run to move about but its all dirt now. Maybe they're finding enough bugs and such under there? I would eventually love to wean them off of the pellets some.

TIA!

 

[devora]

Are you saying you are opening a run to let them out to free range and they do not come out?

I give my birds food/water 24/7.

As far as getting your girls outside, you can lure them out w/ treats until they get the hang of it.