Free Ranging Chickens Ranging too Far

I originally put my girls (5 in all) in a fenced area. But during the day, I started letting them out to roam. At first they stayed nice and close to the coop and our house, now they are getting more and more comfortable, they are roaming very far away. 300 yards and more. It is fine when they go into the woods around our house, but now they are getting into the street and going over to the neighbors' places.

When I try to close them in, they now fly right over their 4 foot fence. I'm not really sure what to do.

Is there anyway keep the girls closer to their coop? Have you had any problems like this?

Thanks,
Julia

What I've done in the past when I've had free-range chickens is to let them out only in the afternoons. Mostly I did this so they would lay in their nest areas and not out in the woods, and would "work" the kitchen scraps I would throw them every morning. But I think only half-days out prevented them from getting too far. Also, I've always had a rooster with them. He keeps them together, and in the event of a hawk or other predator often stands his ground and takes the hit while the hens duck and cover.....