Training "stubborn" hens

[RcoM]

Some of these responses have me wondering....do most people not have food available for their chickens 24/7? Since they have started free ranging, I have noticed a significant down tick in the amount of grain they are consuming, but I do still catch them returning to the run throughout the day to get water and grab a couple bites before heading back out.

I don't keep all food out always. Usually it's the main pellets only. Treats when I get up. If I see any mice or rats I won't even leave that. Instead I will feed only a portion- what they can eat in the morning and again in the afternoon. Treats are always by hand and while being called or spoken to.

 

[Raubkatze]

My mini-flock of three (different breeds) all went through the panic of seeing their sisters on the other side of the fence, but they finally figured it out.

Meanwhile, the EE is invaluable when out in the yard, always alerting first to potential threats. Granted, these threats sometimes include commercial aircraft, but she’s earning her keep while the Orp and Barred Rock are seeing if the mulch tastes any better than it did yesterday.

Considering I've seen mine eating paint off the side of my house, I'm surprised mine are still living.

 

[The Good Grumble]

Do a specific call and give them a treat. My girls come running/flying from wherever they are when I say, “ladiessssss” and want some “wormies!” and they get a mealworm or two

I don’t say anything anymore. They hear the sound of my door opening and they come from everywhere. Even the Turkey. She has a tendency to wander. So if we don’t see her we just open and close the door and she velociraptors herself right back to the yard.