Please help

[logansterling]

I need some ideas on how to catch about 30 chickens who are totally wild. THey dont go into a coop or any enclosed area really. And although some people tried netting them the other night they were only able to catch 7.

These chickens are a rescue to me and are several hours away, I would like to be able to get all or most of them caught so I only need to make one trip...

and advice will be helpful since they will have to leave their current home before to long.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I don't know about actually catching them but we learned we could herd them to an area by using squirt bottles!

 

[CHIC]

I would wait until they are at roost, when it's just getting to be dusk. Then take a net with a long pole and catch them. It may take a few days to get it done. If you are bringing them to your current flock, remember to quarantine and practice biosecurity for the sake of your other little lovies. Wish I could have given you a more ingenious idea but I don't know of any. Chickens are smarter than people give them credit for, if they don't want to be caught, it is very hard to catch them.

 

[CHIC]

Oh yeah, and I suggest having a team of as many people that are willing to help you as possible. Team work would be most helpful.

 

[IDIOT HUSBAND]

My girls are fairly docile and they can be hard to catch if they know they are guilty of something.
If I had to do something like that I would try a live trap. My girls like crack corn, I would use that for bait. If I could find out if they have any vices like yogurt, lettuce or anything else that you could use to your advantage.
Once again, good luck.

 

[Sillystunt]

ummm where is this? Can i come? LOL

 

[houndit]

When it is starting to get dark it is easier. They fall into a sort of stupor at night. If you can get close you can often grab them without much trouble. Of course if you miss they will sometimes run away blindly. A net would be very helpful! Take a flashlight of course. Sometimes you can shine it on them and they will hold still. Team work would of course be helpful!

 

[The Sheriff]

You might try one of those hook devices on a long pole for catching them by the leg. That is what the breeder did when I picked up some bantams. I have seen them for sale on the poultry supply sites. Or you could bend a coathanger!