Howto catch Polish chicken in woods? - FOUND!! Follow-up question

[Bluecharm7]

I thought it was a good idea to let my flock free range for a little bit while I was watering plants near the barn. This is a supervised event; where I let the chickens gobble up mulberries that have fallen while I water the garden near by.

I have never had a problem before but for some reason two polish hens and a Silkie roo decided they didn’t want to come back in. They were hanging a few feet in to the woods. I usually have one or two that want to stay out and usually all it takes is me throwing a few rocks into the woods behind them and they go running for home. Two out three came in. The last went further into the woods towards the rocks. All the polish have their heads trimmed so sight isn’t a problem. I went in to head her off and she just bolted.

I was able to keep her in my sight for a bit but every time I tried to head her off or coax her with treats she just walked away. Not in a panic but just walking away. It’s thick in some spots with bushes and I can’t see her anymore.

Any suggestions to getting her to either come back or to catch her before she becomes a meal for a fox?

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

Watch them at dark and see where they roost then take them off the roost. If they fly up in the trees beyond reach, you can trick them into stepping onto a pole by pressing it under them when they’re asleep.

 

[Bluecharm7]

That would work if she came out of the woods but at this point I don’t know if she can find her way back.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

I've been in that situation before. One of my roosters decided to take a vacation and literally flew away. He was a Rosecomb bantam, so very small and perfect for foxes. But I guess some sort of chicken instincts kicked in, and he spent the night in a tree. He came back the next morning. How do I know he spent the night in a tree? Because when he decided to come back, he stuck to the trees as well! I had to grab him with a long net. Chickens are actually pretty smart. I don't know if yours can fly, but if she knows the way home, she'll come back. It's a good thing her vision is clear too, because then she can watch for predators more easily.

 

[Petchickens123]

I thought it was a good idea to let my flock free range for a little bit while I was watering plants near the barn. This is a supervised event; where I let the chickens gobble up mulberries that have fallen while I water the garden near by.

I have never had a problem before but for some reason two polish hens and a Silkie roo decided they didn’t want to come back in. They were hanging a few feet in to the woods. I usually have one or two that want to stay out and usually all it takes is me throwing a few rocks into the woods behind them and they go running for home. Two out three came in. The last went further into the woods towards the rocks. All the polish have their heads trimmed so sight isn’t a problem. I went in to head her off and she just bolted.

I was able to keep her in my sight for a bit but every time I tried to head her off or coax her with treats she just walked away. Not in a panic but just walking away. It’s thick in some spots with bushes and I can’t see her anymore.

Any suggestions to getting her to either come back or to catch her before she becomes a meal for a fox?

Wow, My polish chickens can barely run, however my silkies love running! When I want a chicken to come, I shake a box of corn, and the chickens start running towards me.

 

[Bluecharm7]

Update - she is safe!!!

She did not find her way home, the woods she got lost in is down hill from our house and ends at the street roughly 200 feet give or take.

Luckily, I live off the beaten path, traffic only from the handful of people who live on the street. So I took to my car, 4ways and binoculars. I was able to guess where she would end up at street level with my neighbors driveway as a guide.

Ended up running into the neighbor who was looking at me like I was a crazy lady using binoculars to spy on my own property, ended up having a 15-20 min random conversation about the chicken and other animals when I spot the tips of her feathers on her head. And there she comes, a little shaken, a lot thirsty but none the worse for wear. She even puts up a fight to be caught.

She is happily safe and sound at home with the rest of her flock!!!

 

[Bluecharm7]

Since she spent the better part of the day (very warm day) in the humid woods without water maybe food, should I do anything special or give her anything extra to prevent any issues?

I gave her a bath, make sure no ticks were on her, plus cooled her down. I gave her a little sugar water with apple cider vinegar just incase she needed a boost plus regular water, and made a mash of food with with some fresh blueberries and peanuts.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Yaaay!