How do you catch your chickens?

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Treats. I take out a container of raisins. Shake it up as I am walking out and they ALL come running. I sit down on edge of deck or chair. I hand feed each one and make them take turns. I have 2 that will jump up on my lap(only time they do this now).

 

[dsfrango]

Yeaa, usually the shaking or even the loud noise from sticking my arm in the bag attracts them...They come running when I lift the pale lid They push and shove each other which makes it even easier to grab whoever I want. There are a couple who will try and fly onto my shoulder or lap too. Last year I almost had a wild turkey eating out of my hand...she would get closer and closer all the time. I would only throw the feed a little away from myself. That was quite interesting considering last year was my first year with chickens

 

[BorderBrigade]

try for a while feeding them from your hands some snacks. Also sitting on the ground with them while they range around helps so they become use to you being around them. Mine i just call them they run up and gather at my feet. They are use to being handled daily. Makes it so much less stressful for inspecting them or if they are ever injured and need treatment. The less stress the better. Chasing them will only make them more fearful of you.

 

[triplepurpose]

Not everyone has the leisure time or inclination to spend hours sitting out in the pen communing with the chickens just to make it easier to pick them up now and then. Sorry, but I know I don't. If this works for you, that's great. But a leg hook fits my schedule much better...

I'm not worried about trauma--as long as you don't chase them around and around unnecessarily, any stress of occasionally catching one is negligible and forgotten in a couple of minutes. Chickens fight and chase each other and get alarmed over all sorts of things all the time. They are inherently feisty, flighty creatures--but that's ok. I long ago gave up on the dream of trying to bond with every single chicken when I was about 15 years old and realized the chickens weren't at all as interested in cuddling as I was. I now just aim to minimize stress by limiting unnecessary handling and making efficient use of handling time rather than over-handling.

 

[dsfrango]

Lets get back to the beginning on this one....Thread starter:JumpingRightIN...What do you own chickens for??? My assumption is for pets because it doesnt sound like you are raising them for slaughter. And that is what my suggestions are for PETS. If they are for slaughter then sure a hook a net or even a pellet gun, whatever works for you. In that case you dont have to spend a minute with them. If they are for pets then spending time with them is as important as with a dog or cat. If you(referring to anyone-not u jumpingintoit) claim you dont have time then you shouldnt have a dog, a cat, ferret, fish, lizard, horse, orrr chickens......as petsss,

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

Well, my chickens don't give me any trouble as far as picking them up, but my ducks are extremely shy and won't even come within 10 ft. of me. Whenever I try to catch one of them, I have to corner it (I have a fence up in my back yard, and even though it doesn't keep them in the back yard, it still makes it easier to catch them.)

 

[JumpingRightIn]

Lets get back to the beginning on this one....Thread starter:JumpingRightIN...What do you own chickens for??? My assumption is for pets because it doesnt sound like you are raising them for slaughter. And that is what my suggestions are for PETS. If they are for slaughter then sure a hook a net or even a pellet gun, whatever works for you. In that case you dont have to spend a minute with them. If they are for pets then spending time with them is as important as with a dog or cat. If you claim you dont have time then you shouldnt have a dog, a cat, ferret, fish, lizard, horse, orrr chickens......as petsss,

I think you may need to reread the thread, I never claimed I didn't have time to spend with the chickens. In fact, I said that I'm able to spend time with them every day! I just didn't know how to get them used to being handled. I'm still a novice. I really like my chickens and want to care for them the best way I can, that's why I'm here asking advice from you more experienced folks. Sorry if I opened up a can of worms somehow, everyone. I really didn't realize I was bringing up a sensitive topic!

 

[dsfrango]

I think you may need to reread the thread, I never claimed I didn't have time to spend with the chickens. In fact, I said that I'm able to spend time with them every day! I just didn't know how to get them used to being handled. I'm still a novice. I really like my chickens and want to care for them the best way I can, that's why I'm here asking advice from you more experienced folks. Sorry if I opened up a can of worms somehow, everyone. I really didn't realize I was bringing up a sensitive topic!

Ohh, I wasn't aiming that towards you at all. I assumed from your first post that they are pets for u tell me if I'm wrong. I just stated in general if someone doesn't have time for them, which I'm sure u do as do I, then u shouldn't have them as pets referring to people who don't have time. If u have birds for meat or eggs only then I'm sure the hooks and nets work great. But for pets I wouldn't use them at all, thats NOT the way to get them used to you. I would use all the things many people have listed so far

 

[PAchickengirl]

I have a few of the 8 that don't seem to want handled like they others. When they go in to roost for the night, I started petting them a little. (My coop is tall!) at first the one would act like she was going to peck me while I was petting someone else, but as long as I move slowly, no one gets too worked up anymore. I do make sure the little kids next door don't chase them, as I was afraid the chickens would get skittish or the kids would trip nd fall on my birds!

 

[TallChickMagnet]

Today I used a water hose. I didn't spray it right at them, but in front where I don't want them to go. I heard them rodeo style right into their pen.