Backyard Fowl Keepers

I’m ready to let my 24 chickens experience the great outdoors, but I’m not sure how to begin free ranging them. My flock ranges from 11 to 18 weeks old, and they’re already testing boundaries by escaping their 5-ft run! I’ve got two acres with woods on two sides and a crop field nearby.

How do I train them to return to the coop at night? Will they stick around, or is there a chance they’ll wander off? Should I just leave the coop door open and see what happens?

Any tips for a smooth transition to free-ranging would be awesome!

Start by opening the run and coop doors when you’re nearby so they can explore.
They'll likely stick close at first.
At night, call them back using treats or food to establish a routine.
You may want to lock them in at night for a bit until they get the hang of returning on their own.

To start free ranging, leave the coop and run doors open while you're around to supervise. They'll explore more but should stay close.
If they don’t go in on their own, you can herd them back in at first.

I started free ranging by simply opening the door and letting them explore during the day while I kept an eye on them. I used food to get them to come back inside at night. Just a small treat like some grain or leftover veggies.

Over time, they began to expect this, and now I can leave the door open, and they’ll return on their own. You might want to start with a few hours a day and slowly extend the free-range time once they get used to the routine.

Just make sure they know where the coop is, and they’ll likely stick around, especially if they have a roo looking out for them!

When you start, open the coop and run doors during the day, and let them explore within your sight.
This way, they won’t be too stressed, and they’ll feel safe enough to venture out.

After a couple of days, introduce them to a regular routine: food or treats to bring them in at dusk.
Start locking them in the coop overnight to reinforce that it’s their safe space.

Eventually, they’ll develop a good recall.

Just open the coop door and let them explore during the day. Start calling them back in with treats when the sun sets to build that habit. They'll eventually get the idea, but it might take a few tries. You could try this for a couple of weeks before leaving them out unattended for longer periods.

Start by opening the coop door and letting them explore when you're around. Your chickens will likely stay close, especially with the roo's protective behavior.

Chickens are creatures of habit and will usually return to the coop at dusk. Leave the door open initially, but monitor them closely to ensure theyre not straying too far or encountering predators.

Be patient and consistent. Free-ranging is a learning process for both you and your flock. Start small, observe their behavior, and adjust as needed to ensure a smooth transition.

Use a treat-based training method! Shake a container of their favorite snacks (like mealworms) every time you let them out and call them back. They'll quickly learn to associate the sound with food and return willingly.