Wild Wyandottes! What should I do?

[HollowOakFarm75142]

A couple days ago my neighbors called, explaining that there were chickens in their yard! I went over to investigate and found two pretty gold laced wyandottes (Atleast I think that's what they are!) Any ideas on what to do? Should I try to catch them? Leave them? Are they too old to lay...? The rest of the family doesn't really want to have anything to do with them, although if they would be giving eggs, maybe? I don't know what to do! all advice appreciated!
(I'll try to get a picture of them at some point)

Those could be Dutch Barnvelder hens. Either way I would try to get and keep them.

Hollow Oak Farm
Texas

 

[lolson69]

Yes both hens. Look like golden laced Wyandotte’s. Beautiful birds.

 

[Chickin Out]

Adopt those hens before a predator eats them! I used to have one, they are excellent.
Mine was the best Mouser I ever had and I never met a cat who was match for her. I really like her killing the mice, but she had a patented 3 stroke approach that was fast and lethal.

Use food to catch them. Scratch or mealworms.

 

[Double Yolked]

Yes those are Gold Wyandottes. By all means try to catch and keep them those look like very nice birds and while the photos aren't too detailed from their body shapes I'm going to guess younger birds. I have some that look very much like them and are 3 yrs old and still producing 4 eggs a week per bird. Well worth catching them before a dog or coyote does.

 

[Beth S]

Great story. Let us know how they are doing and when they start to lay eggs.

 

[Peggyjom]

You likely know this but it is much easier to catch them at dusk or early morning do not make eye contact with the soup your arm or hands around the hole body to prevent wing flapping. I had a hen lay until she was 6 she ate well and free range. Did not get an egg every day but at least 4 a week she was a Rhode Island

 

[SurferchickinSB]

More pictures!
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They look really young, so they might not be laying yet. They are sure beautiful!

 

[magicdave]

Here are some pics. Not the best, but I didn't want to bother them into moving somewhere else.

Catch them. I use dried mealworms to catch my "wilder girls." Chickens connot resist dried mealworms. They are really beautiful healthy looking girls. I would bet that feeding them a 17%-18% ration of soy free/ corn free layer mix would give you eggs. My Wyandottes layed well for over 6 years. Everybody that keeps chickens know that if they free range and get enough "bugs" in the soy free / corn free scratch mix tgey will lay eggs if they have the embryos left. Give tgem free choice oyster shells and kelp too. I don't use "store bought" layer feed for my egg layers. All of my birds free range and get my homemade feed.

 

[countryladyNH]

View attachment 2238636View attachment 2238638
Okay these are the two best pics!

You did GREAT on the photos! I would try and get them and bring them home---Then have a chat with mom and dad!

 

[countryladyNH]

The wyandottes will let me get around three feet from them, then they will slowly go the other direction. Maybe if I bring out some watermelon!

Watermelon or some mealworms! Our hens can't resist mealworms!