You can catch him at night, if all else fails. Since it probably will (fail that is) I'd skip the catch attempts during daylight. I would consider getting him when he gets on his perch ready for bed. I'd put the dog crate in the barn now so no one thinks anything of it. Have his straw or whatever bedding you use inside, ready for him. Open the crate door, get him off of the perch & in he goes. He can spend the night in the crate & then off he goes for processing in the morning. No muss, no fuss & no terrified hens.
Assuming that this is what you are going to do, of course. If it's any consolation, I know how you feel. Let your little hen steel your resolve & best of luck. It will be ok.
