How do I get him to stand still long enough to photograph?

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I just got a lovely Ameraucana rooster and two hens. I'm dying to get some good pics of him to get everyone's opinions, but he won't stand still. He's in a chicken tractor by himself now that the introduction period is over and the hens have been let out into the flock at large, so I can't really take his pic in the tractor b/c the angle is wrong and the wire makes it too hard to see. I can't let him out b/c 1. he challenges every hen he sees and we have a fight and 2. I want him separated so I know exactly what egg comes from what mating. He's not the tamest thing in the world, so I can't bring him in the house for a pic--he'd run all over creating a path of destruction. How on Earth do I photograph this bird in a pose where he can be judged?

(End of rant

)

Here's the best photo I've managed to get of him:

 

[ChickenWisperer]

I would have someone else grab him - and the hold his legs. He might struggle at first, but he should calm down. Then set him on a table or something, with someone still holding his leg/legs.



Maybe this will make him quiet down long enough to take a picture.



Oh, and by the way, I've never had to try to take a picture of a "wild" roo, so........this is all just theory

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Here's a little trick...

1. Grab bird around the body, with the feet and head flying free. Keep the wings close to the body.
2. RAPIDLY move the bird in a circular motion that is the literally as wide as you can go.
3. Once you've sufficiently confused him, "drop" him onto the place you want to take the picture (MAYBE a 3" drop).
4. Take the picture QUICK. The circular motion will confused him JUST enough so that you can take some quick pictures.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I've heard of that circular trick--but I didn't think of doing it in this instance. I'm going to have to give that one a try!

 

[melissastraka]

Can chickens get motion sickness?