how to catch a chcken

[djswett]

We have the chicken coop in the back yard, yet we like to have them free range the front yard, so often, we need to pic them up or herd them from one side to the other. Our Java's are pretty easy to pic up and move around. They are brave and smart and they know we won't hurt them, but chasing and catching our sicilian buttercup takes three people, and a lot of ruffled feathers.

Does anyone here have any clues on how to tame and train chickens? I would love to teach them how to jump through a flamming hoop or juggle while riding a unicycle, but I'll be happy with an easier way to get a hold of them.

Happy summer,
Bryan.

 

[Monk]

A simular thread posted earlier, don't know if it would help...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=208802

 

[alpinefarm]

Quote:
Well, it is helpful to have a type of treat that will entice them to come to the coop. Something reserved for only that purpose. And a special call that tells them that you've got that treat ready to give them. And no places to hide right near or under the coop. I give them their treat just outside the door to the coop, then gradually, quietly push them in.

I also train my flock to just move along in front of me toward the coop as I wave both hands, arms outstretched, saying "In you go"...holding a long stick in each hand helps to extend your reach in their eyes. Just gently push them along, herd them, in front of me.

I've used a fishing net (big one on a long pole) at times when I've had a "recalcitrant" free-ranger. I knew a guy once that used a long "shepherd's crook" type pole and could actually catch any of his chickens at any time with it. It was a pretty "rough" thing, tho, and his flock seemed to quite dislike him.

A long section of (loose) wire fencing can come in handy for "herding" a flock when you don't have other folks to help you. Use it as an arc in front of you and kind of move it in on them gradually, nudging them toward the coop with it.

I actually just try to time my flock's free-ranging according to my own schedule. I don't leave them out when I'm away from my home, so if I have to be gone late in the day, they don't get free range that day, I just keep them in their fenced yard.

Good luck! My grandfather trained his rooster to open the gang-plank of the coop in the mornings and let the flock out! I always thought that was so cool!

 

[Poupoulles]

Good luck! My grandfather trained his rooster to open the gang-plank of the coop in the mornings and let the flock out! I always thought that was so cool!

that is the coolest. I would love to get one of my roo's to do that...​

 

[alpinefarm]

Quote:
that is the coolest. I would love to get one of my roo's to do that...

I believe he rigged up a little button/plate that the rooster had to peck with his beak, which then released a latch to little door. So to train him to peck that metal plate, for awhile then, at night after the birds were roosted, he would put a sticky treat, p'nut butter? on the plate and voila! the rooster learned to associate the plate with the treat and with the opening of the door.

 

[briteday]

St first I only free range new chickens in the evening, a few hours before dark. The chickens are inclined to head for the shed as darkness comes, and if needed to be catched are much more willing towards twilight than any other time of the day.. OK, if I go in the run in the morning with treats, I can have any bird in my lap that I want, in fact several all at one time!

 

[Sitka]

When possible, herd calmly, don't chase.
Good luck.

 

[cristy17]

treats also work, and if all else fails, a huge fishing net!!

 

[curliet]

I walk slowly as well, quietly and calmly saying "Time to go in the house" and holding my arms out wide to sort of gather them up. Sort of like others here have posted. But don't even bother to chase them, that's impossible. Trying to catch a chicken is like trying to catch a bouncing football. You never know which way it will go. The only thing you'll get is hot, sweaty and frustrated.

 

[chickenbottom]

if you have a fishing pole take the hook off tie a treat to it and cast it out and reel it in dont let them get it until they get to the coop