Well crud, 2 didn't come home. UPDATE! They're both home and safe!

[artsyrobin]

as far as free ranging, only surpervised would be the safest way- its just too risky and with cooler weather more predators are out....

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
Yup! She's standing outside the coop looking at me like "What?" So relieved! I need to go let her in and give her a scolding. So now the question becomes, Do I let them out to free range again today, or keep them in the run? hmmm....

Most of mine learn that the coop gets locked down and start showing up at night. In fact, they all have so far. So I would certainly give them another try and hope they've learned.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Great news!!! So glad they're both back safe and sound!

 

[brandislee]

I missed one on the head count one night... my alpha rooster to boot (still don't know how I did it, I swear I counted that night...). The next morning a friend stopped by just as I was opening the garage to let the cats out so I was talking to her before going to check the chickens and my rooster just come wandering around the corner. I was like what, how did you get out? I've had chickens fly out of my 6 foot run before, but it was a young (and flighty) EE, and my rooster is a very heavy Wyandotte, so I thought maybe I'd forgotten to shut the gate to the run and he'd gotten out after the auto door had opened. WELL, not ONLY was the gate shut tight, but the auto door hadn't even opened, so all the other chickens were still shut up in the coop... So there is no explanation other than I left him out overnight. I felt like the worst chicken keeper ever. But he was fine, and very happy to be home. I have no idea where he roosted for the night, but I'm sure it was somewhere relatively safe. Needless to say, I count twice now.

Glad your chickens made it home safely! It's always such a huge relief when these things end well!

 

[dantodd]

I think your mistake was in trying to catch her in the first place. I would wait until they have all returned to roost before doing your headcount. If I go out while they're getting settled they often leave the coop and have to re-enter. The returning to roost is one of the times when the pecking order is reinforced and any interruption can be problematic.

Tonight, wait until they're all in the coop then do your count etc. If you're worried only let them out for a couple hours before dark so they don't get quote as scattered before returning. I have a small backyard so woods tc. Aren't an issue.

 

[friedbluebanana]

Glad you found them both! Mine don't free range (no space), but I think they should get another shot at it. Plus, they might have learned their lesson now that they had to spend the night outside

 

[7L Farm]

I'd let them out. I have a tubber wear bowl that I keep BOSS in. I shake it & they all come. I can let them out shake the bowl & put them up whenever I desire. You should train them. Or ,you could let them go in the coop at dark on their own. See if that works don't chase them.