How do I catch a chicken?

[McGoo]

Thanks all. This is very helpful. Do you just bring the net down from above? or swope them up?

 

[Dawn419]

We've found it easier to bring the net down from above them. It lets you "pin" them where they are. Once we've got them pinned with the net, we twist the pole so that the net overlaps itself which helps keep the bird from escaping the net. Gee, I hope that makes sense...

Dawn

 

[lyndatu]

As chicks I use the aquarium net to catch them. They do not struggle very much, they seem comfortable inside.

 

[carugoman]

I make/use a bola. Take a leather thong about 8ft long and tie a simple knot at one end. Take three shorter lengths of leather thong 12-18 inches and tie one end,of each three pieces, around knot of 8ft piece. At open ends of short pieces tie wood balls(18-25mm diameter) that have center hole drilled in them(available at craft shops.) Tie a simple knot at this end to secure ball. To throw.hold about 1ft of thong plus balls,in throwing hand,with hand at side,at waist height,elbow bent. Start twirling balls and thong on side of body until its spinning full circle and making a whirring sound. Toss at ground before running chicken. they get tripped up in thongs lose balance fall over,without broken legs. So grab that bird! If at first you don't succeed...practice.
All y'all take care!

 

[V Chic Chick]

This is my slightly dodgy diagram of how to hold a chicken using one hand.

Pick her up, hands over wings, then swing her round to put her on your forearm, with one wing against your chest and the other restrained by a well-placed thumb.

 

[McGoo]

Thanks Vchick chick. This is a great diagram...now can I do it. I might try later today. I want to dust them all with DE. I will hold them, turn them upside down for a minute to dust and then turn them back over and hold them for a little while more - just to keep them calm. My new chooks are sooo scared that when I've released them they seem to go crazy and could hurt themselves. So maybe it's best to release them in an open area.

 

[TheOLDNewChick]

You could use my method. It gives your chickens some fun, and gives you excercise!


Ready?




Just chase them around until
a) you catch it.
b) the chicken gets tired and gives up [not likely]
c) you get tired & give up / pass out.

Good luck.