Jake Harper
Catching a chicken is not as simple as it sounds. Chickens can run at 9 mph, faster than the average human, so chasing them is often futile and stressful for the chicken. Instead, there are several methods to outsmart them. One way is to train chickens to come to the coop when called by offering treats. Another method is to use a fishing net or a pole with a hook to catch the chicken without having to get too close. If the chicken is aggressive, a box trap or a blanket can be used to cover and calm it before picking it up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of day | Night-time, when chickens are roosting or asleep |
| Equipment | Blanket, travel cage |
| Preparation | Lure chickens with treats, train them to come on command |
| Technique | Gently pick up chickens off the roost and cover with a blanket |
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What You'll Learn
Lure chickens with treats
Luring chickens with treats is a great way to catch them without causing them stress or anxiety. Chickens are naturally nervous and will run for protection when they feel scared. Therefore, it is important to build trust with your chickens so they feel safe around you. One way to do this is by hand-taming your chickens when they are young. Make it a habit to feed them treats with your hands so they bond with you.
You can also train your chickens to come on command with treats. Call them in the same way each time you plan on giving them treats. They will then associate the call with treats and will come looking for them when they hear it. You can also try shaking a can of treat food and they will come running.
When you need to catch a chicken, you can lure them with treats. Mealworms are a great option and will create a frenzy that allows you to grab the chicken. You can also toss treats inside the coop to entice them to go inside. If you have multiple chickens, you can set up a bird trap or box trap and bait it with treats.
If you need to catch a chicken during the day, you can lure it with treats and then use a blanket to cover it. This will calm the chicken and make it easier to handle.
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Use a fishing net
Using a fishing net is a common method for catching chickens. It is best to use a fine-meshed net, although a large fishing net can also do the job. If you have a small flock and have built a trusting relationship with them, picking them up individually is the best way. They will come to look on these 'checks' as a time to enjoy some extra attention and perhaps a treat. However, if you are doing something a bit unpleasant, such as worming medicine, it might be better to do it in a separate room away from the rest of the flock.
If you are using a net, it is best to place it on the chicken's path rather than slamming it down on top of them. Chickens will remember this tool and won't let you near them in the future. A long-handled net can be useful for catching chickens, giving you a longer arm span. You can snag the chicken or pin it to the ground without having to get too close.
It is not recommended to chase chickens as it can stress them out. Instead, try luring them with treats or herding them into a confined space where you can catch them with the net. You can also try cornering them against a fence and then reaching over to grab them. It is often easier with two people—one to block and divert, and the other to catch.
Once you have caught the chicken, you can calm it by hugging it close or covering it with a blanket.
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Catch chickens at night
Catching chickens at night is a straightforward and calm way to handle these birds. Chickens are creatures of habit and will return to their coop at night to sleep. They are also less conscious of their surroundings at night, making it easier for you to approach them.
First, locate where the chicken is roosting in the coop or anywhere else it might have escaped to. If the chicken is outside the coop, you can entice it back by placing treats, such as mealworms, near the coop and then inside. Chickens are smart and will check their coop daily for escape routes, so a chicken that has escaped before may not be as easily tricked into returning. In this case, you may need to physically catch it, which is easier with multiple people.
Once you have located the chicken, gently approach it, being as quiet as possible. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and boots, in case the chicken becomes aggressive. Avoid pointing your flashlight directly at the chicken, as this might startle it. Instead, use a small flashlight that clips to your cap visor or a headlamp, and focus the light on the ground.
When you are close to the chicken, make small, slow, deliberate movements so as not to alert it to your presence. As you hover over the chicken, place both hands over its wings so it can't flap around, and gently lift it off its perch. You can then place the chicken in a travel cage or cardboard box and cover it with a blanket until the morning.
If you need to catch multiple chickens, you can use a fine-meshed or large fishing net to catch several at once. Place the net on the chickens' path rather than slamming it down on them. Covering a chicken with a blanket can also calm it down.
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Train chickens to come to you
Chickens are smarter than people give them credit for, and they can be trained to come to you. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
First, establish a routine and be consistent. Chickens are creatures of habit, and they will quickly pick up on your daily patterns. Decide on a specific time of day when you will call your chickens, and stick to it. This could be when you offer them a special treat or when you let them out for their outdoor time.
Next, choose a distinct call or signal. This could be a specific word or phrase, such as "Here chickens, here chickens," or a non-verbal cue like a whistle, the rattle of a feed bin, or even the sound of a door opening. Be sure to use the same call or signal consistently so that your chickens learn to associate it with you.
Now, it's time to start training. Begin by using your chosen call or signal and offering your chickens a treat. You can place the treat near your feet or in your hand, allowing them to eat from it. Do this every time you offer them a treat so that they start to associate your call with the reward. As they get used to this routine, try hiding the treat and making the call to see if they come to attention, looking at you expectantly.
It's important to be patient during the training process. It may take weeks for your chickens to fully make the connection between your call and the treat. Remember that chickens are social learners, so once one chicken understands the routine, the others will likely follow suit.
You can also try to incorporate physical touch into the training. Once your chickens are comfortable eating from your hand, try gently stroking their feathers. Over time, they will associate your touch with positive experiences, making it easier to handle them when necessary.
Training chickens to come to you is not only fun but can also be a lifesaver. It helps you keep your flock safe from predators and ensures they return to the coop at night. So, be consistent, patient, and remember to reward your chickens for their good behavior!
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Use a box trap
Using a box trap is one of the most common and effective ways to catch a chicken. It is also a safe and gentle way to move your chicken from one location to another. Here is how you can do it:
Firstly, find a box that is large enough to contain the chicken you are trying to catch. You can use a cardboard box or any other type of box that is big enough. Place the box upside down on the ground, and prop it up slightly using a stick positioned underneath. Make sure there is enough space for the chicken to enter. You can also use a dog crate and cover it with a blanket.
Next, tie one end of a string or rope to the stick and leave the other end loose and easily accessible for pulling later. Place some bait, such as mealworms, inside the box, preferably at the far end to entice the chicken to move further inside. Ensure that the chicken can see and smell the bait so that it is attracted to the box.
Now, step back and wait for the chicken to approach. As the chicken goes for the bait, slowly pull the string, causing the stick to drop and trapping the chicken underneath the box. You can also make the box a little heavier so that it falls faster when you pull the string.
Once you have trapped the chicken, carefully flip the box closed underneath the bird and slowly turn it over. Carry the chicken to its new location and release it. The darkness of the box will help to calm the bird, and the box will protect you from pecking or spurting.
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Frequently asked questions
If you don't want to use a blanket, you can try luring the chicken with treats, gently herding it into a corner, and then picking it up. You can also try using a fishing net or a live chicken trap.
The best time to catch a chicken is at night when it is roosting. They are calmer and don't move when you walk up to them.
If the chicken is aggressive, it's best to avoid touching it. You can set up a bird trap or box trap and bait it with treats.
To catch a chicken with a blanket, you can lure it with treats or herd it into a corner. Once it's contained, you can toss the blanket over it and quickly grab it.
