Stuck Chicken?

[dreamerofdreams]

Came home today to find only one of my two hens in the run. Uhoh, I have an escapee! An inspection of the yard turns up nothing, but this has happened before (different hen) and a little waiting had her wandering back from wherever she had been. So, I waited a few hours. Nothing. It's around roosting time and I'm getting concerned and look again. With the help of my pup's nose I found she was under our shed, happily snapping up what is doubtless a wealth of insects. She'd apparently squeezed herself through the about three inches of clearance to get under there and she shows no sign of leaving any time soon. Any ideas, or do I just have to wait her out?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I would just wait for her to find somewhere to roost then catch her. Good Luck!

 

[dreamerofdreams]

Well she didn't come out at all last night. I'm afraid she's forgotten how she got under in the first place! I dug up a paving stone at the corner where she's hanging out and am trying to entice her out with pellets. She's stuck her neck out, but no further. Still waiting!

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I had this happen to a (somewhat) sick Sussex under my porch. She stayed under there for 3 days (I was giving her food and water) and actually came out fine. She remembers how to get back under now. It might just take time.

 

[dreamerofdreams]

I'm concerned about the water part. I've put a bowl out by the shed but I don't have anything narrow enough to shove under there with her. Fortunately it's not ungodly hot today, but we're still pushing 90...

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

hmmm, I've just cut off about 2/3 of a Solo Cup. Then fill that with water, but I don't know how much space you have, or if you would have to cut of more. Even if you could just spray some water on the ground with a hose, and she'll drink that (even if it's not very healthy, it's better her getting dehydrated). I hope she is able to get out soon!

 

[dreamerofdreams]

I fed her some watermelon and if I haven't gotten her out tonight I'm going to try squeezing a cake pan under.

 

[7L Farm]

Can you spray water in there?

 

[dreamerofdreams]

Success! I dug a bit deeper and lured her close with watermelon, then managed to pull her out!

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

YAY!