Runaway!

[GardenMacgyver]

My rooster decided to fly out of the coop today, It took about 20 minutes to get him after he ran all around the yard and then thru a hole in the fence and back. Hes almost 4 months, Easter Egger. Im thinking he may have flown out because I let my dog out not thinking that I was currently filling the water. I got my dog in the door right before he flew out. Do you think he might have been protecting the others from the dog? I think either that, or he wants his yard time. I cant really let them roam too much because of stray cats and Im amazed that there werent any out thismorning.
Another question is what is the easiest method you have found to capture loose birds? His wings are not clipped so I used a blanket to get behind him and pick him up once he was stuck behind a box.
OH its been an eventful morning. Im happy to say that was only the first escape.
And I even had a neighborly citizen offer to help wrangle the little buger

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

We had this problem with a skittish leghorn. We were repairing the run, so everyday we took of a section of the roof and replaced it the same day. Once we got distracted when there was a hole in the roof or ran out of materials or something. Nobody figured it out for 3 days, then she did and kept getting out, I wrangled her twice, but the third time I just had to let her run around until she went to roost and I could catch her and put some cardboard over the roof.

The best way to catch a chicken is to get them somewhere where they can't escape and that is small enough to catch them in. I use our barn or garden shed. If you can get them to go right in there that is best. I used to have a really long (7') stick with a hook on the end. I would catch their legs in the hook and go catch them, I got rid of it though because I didn't like tripping the chickens. I only used it when I really had to, even when I had it.

The blanket sounds like about the best thing, unless you have a net. : )

 

[foulplay]

Maybe a fishing net. Like a big one not one for small fish. I agree that you must get them somewhere where they can't jump up and run away or you will be chasing them all day. If you can't get them wait for them to roost and then catch them then. It is always easier for the chicken if it is done calmly.