Can you herd chickens????

[Ivywoods]

Much easier to teach them to lead than to herd them. Get them to follow you with a bucket with treats, such as a little cracked corn. Once you get them there give them some of the treat. They will get so they know the routine and will make it to the special treat place faster than you can ask,"Why did the chicken cross the road?"

 

[elmo]

I herd our flock all the time, daily in the spring, summer and fall to move them from their stationary coop into their tractor. I use two long handled tools, one in each hand, to guide them. Usually, it's the poop scoop and pan, but I've also used those foam pool noodles, too. As another commenter noted, just don't move them too quickly. Pretty soon they learn what you're expecting of them, and they go where you want.

Only "Wrong Way" Scooter gives me regular trouble. Whichever way the rest of the flock heads, she goes the other way. Usually she runs wildly around the tractor for a couple of times before finding the entrance. Bless her heart.

 

[Ariel301]

Mine come when I call them (and if they're not wanting to come in, all I've got to do is shake a can with some food in it!) but my neighbor who has over a hundred hens uses a border collie to herd hers back in when they get loose. She raises working border collies, and she trains them on chickens and ducks when they are puppies, and uses them to work goats when they get bigger.

 

[lulumammato2]

Quote:
Foam pool noodles what a great idea I'm going to give it a try.