Wild cockrel

[Molnut]

Try this, near dusk when the flock is returning to the coop for the night, open the enclosure. He may go in and to roost with the flock, now close it up you then have him. (now he can go to freezer camp or a BP) I also use a fishing dip net for capture, they do not like this BTW.
And clipping a wing will stop fight, but not jumping,,, and some can jump well.

I have thought of that and that will be an option. Hiwever, given my experience with him,

 

[Molnut]

I have thought of that and that will be an option. Hiwever, given my experience with him,

... I can see total chaos in that coop trying to catch him. Never thought chicken keeping could be so hard core!!!!

 

[Molnut]

Gotta grab them around the wings, hold his wings against his body, fast and firm...and then hold on tight!
Grabbing tail will only leave you with a fist full of feathers. BTDT with a stray in my yard.

Can't help you on the 100+ birds...other than say 'subtraction'.
Curious tho, why so many.... chicken math gone awry or do you want that many birds??

I have a pastured eggs business. However, the "business" part is to be interpreted very loosely. Frankly, I just have 100+ pets, trying to focus more on the business perspective though. Got a great customer base who love the eggs. So I expand to keep up with demand.

 

[Molnut]

I hope you catch him, or a preditor may take care of the problem for you....

Yep, considered that too.

 

[aart]

So I expand to keep up with demand.

Ehhh...or you could let the customer base adjust to your supply.
Space and good management of birds should come first.
No matter how many birds and how many customers,
there will be fluctuations in the egg production.
Customers need to know, understand, and accept that...this is not the grocery store.
It's a hard balance to strike but it can be done.
I only have a few regular customers, because that's all my supply can support, and sometimes they buy from other bird owners or the grocery store.

 

[Molnut]

Good news, my little "Houdini" was caught. Or, more exactly he let me catch him. He is now safe and sound in a coop.
It might be my imagination, but I think he is relieved and feeling safe at last.
Aart, I understand your concerns, but you don't have to worry. I totally agree with you.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

... I could not get him to go to his cage to put him inside. He numped the fence many times. I waited the dead of night and even then, he was very alert and running away from us....

Let him go to roost on his own then wait about 2 hours for him to settle in and then catch him off the roost. I have caught 1,000s of chickens in my lifetime and if the night is dark and if the chicken's keeper is stealthy and quiet it is no trouble at all to pick up a sleeping chicken.

 

[aart]

Aart, I understand your concerns, but you don't have to worry. I totally agree with you.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Oh, I'm not worried, just making suggestions that might ease and balance your burden.