Getting hens from my aunt, how to catch them?

[chuckzoo]

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I tend to agree. I think you will be dissappointed. They may be loud trying to get out so that could be an issue.

 

[ToastedSalmon]

Well, we got them home, and settled in for the night last night. They seemed happy enough, still have all their feathers, no fussing or pecking on the drive, only a little clucking when my 11mo old was crying. They ate and drank well and this morning we even had an egg! However, the sad news is that our feathered friends have flown the coop. I was anxious to give them some room to stretch their legs after being in the dog crate, so we clipped their wings and let them out into a temporary circular enclosure of 5' high metal fencing--nothing fancy, but I thought with clipped wings it would keep them in while we put some finishing touches on the coop and run that will be their permanent home. Apparently clipped wings don't bother these birds a bit. They flew. Straight up and straight over, hopped around our yard for a bit, and up and over our 4ft fence and off through the neighborhood. We searched all morning, but can't find them. I have the teensiest hope that they'll come "home" to roost, though they don't really have a reason to call my house home, and the comfort that when we caught these birds, they were living wild, not being fed by anyone, except some dog food every now and then, and handled themselves around hunting dogs just fine (for the most part). In other words, they are used to evading predators and finding their own food and water, but still, I feel a bit ridiculous for having relocated these two hens from their home flock to a new place where they may just end up roadkill. I seriously thought they wouldn't be able to jump that fencing with freshly clipped wings--we only clipped one wing each, but whenever I used to do that with my cockatiel, he would be seem surprised and have a hard time getting off the ground at first, then he would do very small flights in circles. So, I'm sad for the hens, and for me, because that was a lot of work and stress on them for nothing, you know?

*sigh* So, our feed store gets biddies in today, heavier breeds like RIR, australorp, barred rocks, americaunas...if we raise them from biddies, are they going to be less likely to fly the coop when free ranging? And is it normal for chickens to fly 5' in the air w/ clipped wings? I mean, I figured that type of enclosure was not good on a permanent basis (not good predator protection), but there's a local farm here that has the same fencing as their permanent run, and nothing overhead, so I thought it would be fine for an hour or two...

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

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Sorry to hear about your chickens.

I would suggest waiting to get any more chickens until you are fully prepared- with a permanent coop and run built and ready to go. Remember, if you get chicks from the feed store you will need a brooder set up and ready also. If you choose to get older birds again, get some that have been raised with lots of human contact- or at least on a semi-regular basis. "Wild" chickens are never usually a good place for a greenhorn to start out- even with the best intentions.

Browse the coop and run section, make sure it's secure and as safe from predators as you can make it. Never be afraid to come here and ask questions. I've been here almost a year now and I'm still asking questions and looking for ways to improve. Everyone makes mistakes- even those of us who've kept chickens for many years. Hang in there, keep reading, and good luck.

Oh- and

 

[bantiesrule]

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They will be much less likely to fly the coop, probably won't even cross their minds. Raising them from chicks, this will be the only home they know and most of the heavier breeds don't even think about flying at all.
Discribing the birds you caught from your aunt, you said you thought they were Old English Game. If this is the case, then "YES" it is normal for them to fly 5' or more even with clipped wings. They are the "escape artists" of the chicken world. If they can't fly over it, they will try their best to get out some other way.
I might be biased (I love my little OEG bantams) but I think they are also the smartest of the chicken breeds.

 

[ToastedSalmon]

Well, they seem to be hanging around still. I hear them clucking, and almost managed to corner one in my neighbor's yard, so maybe with luck I'll be able to find where they roost tonight or maybe they'll come back here to roost...

As for the chicks, I already have a brooder set up, and have read up on the breeds that are coming into our feed store, so I'm a little more prepared for them. I have the supplies I need and have been reading books and of course the BYC forum for info on care of the little guys. The big unknown here for me was the kind of chickens I had when I caught them... I really didn't expect them to fly away after I clipped them. Lesson learned, and we are ready for them if we do catch them.

 

[ToastedSalmon]

They;re back!

We have them in a run/coop (with a roof!) that is more secure, they roosted on a saw horse last night and are getting to know the cat, dog, and neighbors that stop by. Eating and drinking well, no egg today. Yesterday's capture involved a great big fishnet and several neighbors. It's surprising how well liked they are by the neighbors and it seems to have brought our little community together a bit--now everyone is calling them their chickens. Kinda neat

Anyway, they're happy, exploring their run, and we keep making little trips out to sit with them and give them treats.

Thanks for all the tips and support!

b

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

Yahoooo!!! I love happy endings, great to get your neighbors involved, spreading the chicken-love to the masses!!!