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[louiseherbs]

Hi, had my chickens for a week, worried about how I will get them back into the run/eglu once I let them out.

 

Any suggestions?

[CallyChook]

if you let them out near evening time, they should go hoem to roost once the dusk comes. Even if not, they'll roost somewhere and you'll be able to pick them up and put them back into the run.

 

If that's not suitable, try shaking their favourite treat - corn or mealworms perhaps - and throw some into their run, and they will probably follow too! Works here anyways. The last resort at our house is using a plastic mesh fence and herding them into a corner where I can grab them - but it's rare I have to resort to that.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I got 3 new girls last Sunday and even on day one they toddled off into the Omlet run as soon as the light fell. I wouldn't worry too much, as long as your girls know where bed is, they'll probably head there of their own accord .

[Trougher]

I've had my three girls a week now, too. We put them in the enclosed run if we are going out, so on a few occasions they have been in and out of the run, necessitating a bit of getting back in. To start with it was difficult, we had to herd them in, or if we could get close enough pick them up and put them in. Now, though, after only a few days, they have developed a love for dried mealworms, and can easily be tempted back into the run with those. they'll soon get the hang of it, I think!

[Chicken shack]

I have only had my girls a couple of months and I know I was worried the first time I let them FR but I needn't have a few dried feel worms does it every time.

[LeeMeadfan]

I agree with all the above!

 

If mine are out & I need them back into the run some of their favourite treats lure them in (although I can pick them up, as there's 3 it's often a case of 2 in 1 out or vice versa so the treats work best! ).

 

If they're out & I don't need to get them back in for any reason then they just take themselves off to bed - although Carlotta has been still out chasing round after Daddy -Long - Legs while Scarlett & Joni are already snuggled in the Eglu

[Clairey_Fairy]

I also agree with all that has already been said. Got my 2 girls last Saturday, and let them out first time Tuesday. Not had any problems getting them back in. They are very friendly and inquisitive and come running if I go outside, even if it's just to pick up their poo! And they toddle off to bed as it gets dark - or maybe try and come in the kitchen if it looks warm and inviting! But if I need to get them in if I'm going out or anything a handful of corn does the trick. They have been out in the garden all day today, lovely weather and we have been home all day. Still out there now, pecking and scratching!

[Olly]

Food. Works every time! However, as they are new - get them accustomed to associating something particular with treats, it could be a special dish, or it could just be a call. Do this while they are still IN the run! then when they are free-ranging, you'll only have to shout 'Chook, chook!' or rattle the dish, and they'll come charging towards you.

 

I bought a big tub of garden bird seed last year, and a handful of that never failed - it had sunflower seeds, and various other interesting bits in. Much cheaper than mealworms. However I find any treat works, the favourite one at the moment is a windfall apple off the lawn. Even though they have been pecking at these for ages, throw one in the run and they all go barrelling in!