lost my hen in neigbor's weed filled yard

[nerd0geekboyz]

I thought that I lost my hen to a hawk but then I saw her in my neighbor's back yard. Once I entered the yard she ran and hid in the thick of weeds.

I grabbed two other hens, put them in a cage and placed the cage in the neighbor's backyard hoping that she will come out of hiding. It's 6:46 pm on the west coast and it will be dark by 8. I am hoping to retrieve my hen before dark.

I also put out some scratch in the neighbor's yard in the hopes she will come out of hiding.

Any recommendations?

 

[centrarchid]

NorCal,

Your hen has gone over to the greener pasture. The weed patch likely provides more nutritive value and other resources such as cover relative to your well manicured lawn. I take advantage of that to direct the ranging habits of my birds away from the house or to get them out to a larger patch that is farther than they would otherwise like to go to..

 

[SJ]

Waterer...she may get thirsty before bedtime. My birds roost on their own every night in the coop maybe she will just come home on her own before dark. Good luck.

 

[nerd0geekboyz]

Thanks to both of you.

Putting the other two hens in a same yard, both caged, brought out the other hen from hiding.

But.... I have to tell you that trying to catch a hen in yard full of weeds and junk is difficult. I got a cut on my thigh falling on some construction debris but did not feel or see it until I changed my pants.

@centrarchid the hen would not know how to get back to my yard and there are plenty of raccoons, feral cats, and hawks. I had to get her back before dark else I risk her getting killed at night or the following day.

 

[centrarchid]

In the future, avoid chasing birds. Rather concentrate on enticing them into locations where they can be controlled. If you have a little time with a small number of birds, then pick out a small and particular bucket you can use to call them in,. Every time that container is presented, make certain they get something they really like.