how to catch the suckers!!

[chickenbythesea]

ok, so the run is just about finished and the chicks are 3 weeks old. Twinkletoes, keeps trying to escape every time I go out to feed them and give them treats. Our pen is quite large.... so, how do I catch the fast little suckers to get them back in the coop at night? I will only start taking them out in the evening when I know they "should" want to go back in a few hours. I'm terrified that I'll be out all night trying to get them in the coop... it's definitely not safe to stay out all night in our area. So, all your sage wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!

the kids are so excited to be able to sit out with them (and it's getting quite hot during the days now so it would be great for them to have some room to move).

thanks
Liz

 

[Nicole01]

Maybe bringing treats into the coop and closing the door behind them. I had to catch mine one by one for the first week. It was not easy. Eventually it clicked in their head that it's bedtime and they all go in on their own.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

Watch them around sunset; they'll pick a place to sleep for the night. After it's dark, catch them and put them in the coop. They might wake up enough to squawk at you softly, but not enough to even attempt running away.

 

[bburn]

I bought a cheap butterfly net for children to use at the dollar store.....if all else fails I can use that!