Will they go in the coop?

[bewalton18]

I have 11 week old pullets that i want to let free range tomorrow while i am home with them. Will they be able to go back in their coop at sunset? I don’t wanna chase all 13 of them around the yard lol

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

They might and they might not. Usually they go home when the sun is setting but sometimes you have to heard them into the coop.

 

[PirateGirl]

I like to call to the chickens whenever I feed them. Now they know, when I call, food is involved, so if I call, they come out of hiding to investigate. If you have not done this, start today, whenever it's feeding time or treat time, use the same phrase or whistle or whatever works for you, it could be shaking the treat bag. They will learn and you can use this to lure them back home when needed.

 

[bewalton18]

I like to call to the chickens whenever I feed them. Now they know, when I call, food is involved, so if I call, they come out of hiding to investigate. If you have not done this, start today, whenever it's feeding time or treat time, use the same phrase or whistle or whatever works for you, it could be shaking the treat bag. They will learn and you can use this to lure them back home when needed.

i really like this ice! i call out to hem whenever i’m out or feeding too!

 

[Peppercorngal]

If they have been raised in a coop and/run from chickhood and you let them free range, they will for sure return to roost/sleep in the area they are used to. It's a good idea to call them for treats, but it should not matter at sundown. Like I said "if they were raised there", they will return to sleep. Be mindful of predators! Good Luck!

 

[aart]

If they have been raised in a coop and/run from chickhood and you let them free range, they will for sure return to roost/sleep in the area they are used to.

This^^^

You can start them free ranging for the first time late in the day,
30-60 minutes before they normally go to roost.
They won't go too far at first and you'll see that they get back to the coop to roost.
Subsequent days let them out a bit earlier, and so on and so on.

 

[PirateGirl]

Well, how did it go? Did you have to wrangle your chickens or did they return to roost?

 

[bewalton18]

Well, how did it go? Did you have to wrangle your chickens or did they return to roost?

Unfortunately we were out wrangling them up in freezing weather hahahah

 

[PirateGirl]

Oh no! I hope it gets better so they can continue to have some time out exploring!

 

[Peppercorngal]

Unfortunately we were out wrangling them up in freezing weather hahahah

What? I don't get it. Normally when you "raise" chickens in a coop and/or run for a couple of months and then let them free range they will automatically return to the place they were raised and feel safe and comfy for the night. ????