Getting hens from my aunt, how to catch them?

[Lollipop]

Becky, like others have said, catching them at night works best. I use a flashlight. Shine it in their eyes just before you grab them. Also, you may need to catch them by their legs. It won`t hurt them and they will settle down quickly. Wear long sleeves and gloves.........Pop

 

[al6517]

As another idea set up a temperary small area with some old fencing or such, lure them in with corn by leaving a small sparse trail of it to the hoop fence, put a bunch of corn in the center of it and close the hoop. Then just reach in and grab em easy.

AL

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I have one of those. Homemade by my late FIL. It's probably 40 years old or better. Believe me, it's not as easy to use as it looks.

 

[SallyF]

My dad made one also and I remember using it as a kid when it was "roundup" time for Sunday dinner. I've tried to replicate it, but haven't had much success since I haven't found any wire that is stiff enough. Coat hanger wire is too thin; it needs to hold its shape when you get it around the chicken's leg and he/she tries to run. Still trying.

 

[Dora'smom]

I agree with Bantiesrule. You are going to have a battle on your hands if you start your flock with these chickens. It is not going to be fun for anyone. Why not start out with chicks from your local farm store, or buying some started pullets?

 

[lauralou]

I'm not sure that I agree that the OP will never tame those chickens. My first chickens were 5 point of lay pullets who were free ranged and had never been handled. They wanted nothing to do with us at first, but they calmed down. Well, four of them did. One never became tame.

I still have 2 of those old gals, and they are as docile as they could be. So it's not impossible.

 

[cmom]

I have done it both ways, one using a large fish net and the other way while they are roosting. Getting them at night while they are on the roost is probably the best way. After you catch them put them in their new coop for several days and make sure they have plenty of feed and water. I did take treats out to them daily while they were in the coop. They now come up to me when they see me looking for treats. The best way to a chicken’s heart is through its stomach. I have given them some meal worms or crickets, but usually some bread and/or scratch grains. I also give them scraps from the kitchen. The chickens will become accustomed to a routine.

 

[Kittymomma]

Did you have your chicken round-up? If so how did it go and are the chooks starting to settle down?

 

[ToastedSalmon]

Not yet--we're scheduled for some time next week. It's a 3.5hr drive... which brings me to my next question: How would you transport these chickens? I have a dog crate that will fit in the back of our mini van (large dog crate), or, if it would be less stressful for them to be in something cozy and dark, we could find some cardboard boxes (cat carrier type items). Do chickens get carsick?

We're currently building the coop and run, and I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[Whimsical Farming Wife]

Gahd- I HATE trying to catch loose chickens! I always use any combination of the following; a 2nd (3rd, or 4th) person, a place to corner them, and a large fishing net (but not too large to manipulate quickly). I have not had any luck luring them with feed... they know what's up!!! It is DEFINATELY best to get them at night if possible. I have moved chickens in both cardboard boxes and small animal crates- it didn't seem to make a difference which- just make sure they have some fresh air to breath!