getting them back in the run

[Brianfromdorset]

I got 3 chickens last sunday and have been letting them into the run duringing the daytime. Howeve the run is not very big so id like to free range them into my garden at weekends when I can keep a watchful eye over them! how do I get them back in their run when I want to ?I expect they'll go in on their own at dusk but what about midday?

[HensAloud]

Mealworms

[Brianfromdorset]

Thanks Angela that's a good tip. Id like to get them back in their run in the least possible way so enticing them with food sounds like a good idea. A small section of our garden has a small fence around 3 feet high which borders our neighbours garden. I wonder if they'd attempt to get over it. Its wire so not really perchable on top.

[LittleBrownFrog]

Start off by letting them out for just half an hour or so before dusk, then give them a treat in the run. Mine get a small amount of corn & now they recognise the tin I keep it in, so they can usually be coaxed back in easily at other times of day.
A 3 foot fence wouldn't stop any of mine!

[chookmike]

Why would you want to leave the house around lunchtime on a weekend Brian?

Yes - mealworms. Let them learn the sound of you putting your hand in the packet and they'll come running from all directions - toss a few in the run and close the gate. To be more accurate, wait until the hens are inside before you close the gate...

Cheapest mealworms are in shops that charge a £

Cheers!

[HensAloud]

Thanks Angela that's a good tip. Id like to get them back in their run in the least possible way so enticing them with food sounds like a good idea. A small section of our garden has a small fence around 3 feet high which borders our neighbours garden. I wonder if they'd attempt to get over it. Its wire so not really perchable on top.

3 foot isn't very high, I think they might hop over it, one thing leads to another every time !

[amatureleccy]

I use the garden hose and spray them. They go wherever I direct them.

[Annie]

I use the garden hose and spray them. They go wherever I direct them.

Really hope that is a joke.

Everyone is right a little bribery goes a long way, they are constantly hungry or at least on the look out for food. The only other thing I have done, especially with the scatty ones in the beginning was walk at a distance behind them with a long garden cane in each hand, I tap the ground to the sides with the sticks gently and herd them in to the run.
As said 3' is very do-able for chickens especially if they can find something to give them a step up - an old flowerpot for example. You may need an action plan with that one

[Linda S]

I dont want to be a killjoy Brian but i would personally advise you to higher the fence, 3ft is no height to deter anything from getting in to your girls. Always remember that if they can get out a predeter will most definately get in, not just foxes but any nosy dog roaming about and the result dosnt bear thinking about Enjoy your lovely girls by keeping them safe Oh and wellcome to the lane Lindaxx

[aceface]

I use the garden hose and spray them. They go wherever I direct them.

this is not something anyone would advise and it is certainly no way to treat an animal or bird ,wetting hens is not a good thing to do sooner or later the hen will become timid and fearful of the hose ,not only that it is inviting trouble .wet hens and cold weather invites illness and nobody wants to be wet in this weather especially when the hen has no way of drying herself thoroughly before bedtimes etc especially in this weather ,cold ,frosty,damp and short days ,and dropping temperatures

[aceface]

hi brian i use a mealworm bribe as does angela they will do anything for a juicy mealworm , i rattle the tin and shout "come on, come on" i find it works every time eventually they will just see the tin and come running but i did train my girls gently and rewarded them every time they came it helps too if you need to get them in quicky if any danger is present ,good luck brian

[p.penn]

I use the garden hose and spray them. They go wherever I direct them.

I would not recommend deliberately soaking your hens in this way - they try to shelter from rain and in some circumstances can become ill if they remain wet.

Try some corn in a tin - they soon learn to follow you back in!

[bmpsands]

Mealworms for me. I decant them into a plastic tub and, actually, putting anything in that (corn, surplus cooked rice etc) makes the noise that draws them in. So long as there is a reward every time they'll continue to come running.

[chicks&cats]

Mealworms for me too Mine are in a tub so they come literally running at me when they hear it rattling

[aishakali]

I just walk into the garden and they follow me into the run (I do give them a reward once they are in )