How to catch a runaway hen

[Bobo]

She was heard cackling in my neighbor's back yard. Then came back here and is hanging around the cage. She has food and water and I'm going to wait until she roosts to nab her. I can't go to my neighbors because chickens are not allowed in my city and I don't know the views of a few of them. Most are laid back and see no problems with it. I'm hoping to just keep them clean and quiet, except for the once-a-day egglaying song, and break it to my neighbors gradually.

 

[Anny]

Throw some corn on the ground and when she's busy eating it, grab her!

 

[Davaroo]

So I get it that she has returned? If so, good. Keep calm at all costs – you’re starting to get it.
Night time is the better time to re-locate her anyway, as chickens get torpid then.

And at the risk of being redundant, remember that words like "grab," "nab" and the dreaded "chase" are taboo around chickens. You need to be smooth, purposeful and deliberate in your movements. Be one with the chicken, grasshopper.

And keep the pool net handy.

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As for your neighbors, tell the immediate ones as soon as the feathers have settled. Take them cookies or some booze when you visit, if it'll help. But don't rely on the hens to be noiseless for your peace of mind. I am here to tell you they can be quite noisy… all the more so when you would rather the fool things be quiet!

Really have a good hard think about all this chicken business. Looking over your shoulder, or running "a’fowl" of the municipal animal Nazis because of a few chickens, well… that can kinda suck.

Keep us posted.