How do I catch my hen??

[lakeontariochicks]

She slipped under the fence in the run a couple of hours ago, and wants to go back in, but she won't let me near her. If I try to hold up the fence for her or open the big door, the others come running. I don't have any sort of a net here to catch her with.

I was thinking about just waiting until bedtime when I get the other girls in the coop then leaving an open spot in the fence.

She keeps going around and around the coop and run looking for a way back in and the others go around on the inside clucking at her. They are being very vocal, I'm sure they're trying to tell her to let them out too.

Of course it has to be one of my Barred Rocks who don't like me to pick them up at all. The others are much easier to catch.
If anyone comes up with another idea for me, just let me know!
Thanks!

 

[thespinningcottage]

Are you by yourself, or do you have someone who could hold it open while you "herd" her in? We often do that with a few of our flighty hens, or lure them in with treats. If that won't work for you, I'm sure she'll be easier to catch come evening. Good luck!

 

[FF]

Bread, bread and more bread. Hold your hand out and sprinkle or throw some real close while you have some in your hands, then grab her. Make sure she sees you throw or sprinkle it. Don't do it too much or she will just laugh and get away. Good Luck

 

[noahsgeese]

They make chicken catchers!

 

[LarryPQ]

Chickens are easier to catch if your hands ( or her) are slightly damp.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Wait until she's near the gate, then throw some bread or corn or some other treat INTO the pen. When all the others go rushing away from the gate to get the treat the runaway will be more likely to run in when you then open the gate.

Or put some bread/corn in the back of a dog kennel or some other container. When she goes in to eat it close the door. Then carry the container into the pen & release her there.

Or herd her into a corner and dive on her.

After this start training your chickens to come when you call. Get some cracked corn & put it in a can. Shake the can, call Heeeere chick-chick-chick and toss some corn on the ground for them. It won't be long before they learn that the sound of shaken corn and your call means something great, and they'll come running to you when they hear it. It's a handy thing for them, and you, to know.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Just sit down and ignore her while you eat a big sandwich! She should come right beside you to see if there's any crumbs or goodies she can scoop up. Once she's close, drop a few tiny bites and while she's busy picking & pecking grab her legs! She won't be able to get away from you. Next, you only need to open the door and set her in. it's easy, once you do it a time or two. I used to be afraid to grab my chickens like this, but having the use of only one hand, it's my only way to catch my chickens. Sure beats chasing them around for 10 minutes!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[lakeontariochicks]

Lol, thanks everyone, these are some great ideas!!!
I was embarrassed to ask at first, because this is the first time I've had an escapee!
But I'll try some of these and see what happens.

 

[farmboydj]

toss a sheet over her i have done this in the past good luck

 

[Coreyboy18]

So, did you get her?