Catching Chickens: Coat Hanger Tricks

Catching a chicken can be a challenging task, especially if they are faster and more agile than you. While some people opt for using a fishing net or a bird trap, others have found creative ways to make a DIY chicken catcher using a coat hanger. This involves bending one end of the hanger into a loop for a handle and shaping the other end into a hook to catch the chicken by its leg. With this innovative tool, you can increase your reach and efficiently capture your feathered friends without causing them any harm.

How to make a chicken catcher with a coat hanger

To make a chicken catcher with a coat hanger, you will need a heavy-duty coat hanger, pliers, and a stick.

Firstly, cut the coat hanger with wire cutters, leaving about four feet of wire. You can use the pliers to twist and bend the wire. The heavier the wire, the better, as it will be stiffer and stronger.

Next, bend one end of the wire into a loop to form a handle. You can cover this with something soft to provide a better grip. Then, bend the other end into a hook. The width of the hook at the closed end should be about the width of your little finger or the approximate width of a chicken leg, opening wider at the mouth. This little curve will prevent you from poking the chicken and will help guide the leg into the hook.

Finally, attach the stick to the base of the hook with pliers or wire. The stick could be an old broom handle, a dowel, or a broken garden tool handle.

Once your chicken catcher is assembled, you can use it to catch a chicken by approaching the chicken quietly and sweeping the hook under the chicken's body, pulling it toward you. When you catch the chicken's leg, it will travel down the hook, and you can then grab the leg with your free hand. It is important to note that the chicken catcher works best when the chicken is not running fast.

How to use a chicken catcher

A chicken catcher is a simple tool that can be used to catch chickens without having to chase them around. It is particularly useful when dealing with aggressive chickens that may cause injury if caught by hand.

To make a chicken catcher, you will need a stick and a wire. The stick could be an old broom handle, a dowel, or a broken garden tool handle. For the wire, you can use a coat hanger, but heavier-gauge wire is preferable for its stiffness and strength.

• Cut a piece of heavy wire about four feet long.
• Bend one end of the wire into a long loop to form a handle.
• Use needle-nose pliers to bend the other end of the wire into a tight curve, creating a hook.
• Use larger pliers to close the gap in the curve and shape the hook. The width of the hook at the closed end should be similar to the width of a chicken leg, opening wider at the mouth.
• Hang your chicken catcher by its hook on a screw placed high up on the outside of your chicken coop, so it is easily accessible when needed.
• When you need to catch a chicken, approach the chicken quietly and walk within striking distance.
• Sweep the hook end of the chicken catcher under the chicken's body and pull it toward you.
• Once you catch the chicken's leg, it will travel down the hook until the diameter of the leg matches the width of the hook, securing the leg.
• Pull the chicken toward your body and grasp the trapped leg.
• Remove the leg from the hook and transfer the chicken to a comfortable carrying position.

Note that the chicken catcher works best when the chicken is not running fast, so it is advisable to lure the chicken with treats or have multiple people help you corral the chicken slowly.

How to train your chicken to enjoy being handled

Chickens are naturally cautious and fearful of humans, and it takes time for them to become accustomed to their caretakers. Training a chicken to enjoy being handled requires time and dedication. It is easier to train day-old chicks, as they imprint on you as their parent, but it is still possible to train older chickens.

To train your chicken to enjoy being handled, you should spend time with them and handle them frequently. Pick up each chick, hold it until it settles, and then place it back down. This process may need to be repeated over time, as chickens have individual personalities, and some may always be less interested in human contact. It is important to be gentle and not scare, chase, or hurt the chickens, as this will make them harder to catch in the future.

When handling chickens, it is important to protect yourself, especially when handling roosters. Wear hand protection, long trousers, a coat or long sleeves, and a cap to protect your hair and head. If you are handling chicks, be extra gentle, and never let small children hold them unattended, as they may squeeze too hard.

To make it easier to catch a chicken, you can lure it with treats. If your chicken is relaxed, it will be easier to catch, so try to avoid chasing it. You can also try to catch it when it is dark, as chickens cannot see well in the dark and are less likely to put up a fight. If you must catch it during the day, use a net or a large cardboard box.

Once your chicken is accustomed to being handled by you, you can introduce it to other family members using the same training steps. With patience, your chicken may come to enjoy spending time with its human family.

How to lure a chicken into a coop

Luring chickens into their coop can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can use to achieve this. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to lure a chicken into its coop:

Using Treats

One effective way to lure chickens into their coop is by using treats. Start by placing a treat, such as mealworms, inside the coop. Stand back and observe if the chicken goes for the treat. If it doesn't work immediately, you may need to be patient and persistent. Try tossing a treat just inside the coop door, enticing the chicken to enter. This method may not work on smarter chickens or those that have escaped before, but it's worth trying first.

Using a Net

If the chicken doesn't respond to treats, you can try using a long fishing net. This method allows you to snag or pin the chicken without getting too close. Approach the chicken quietly and carefully, then use the net to capture it. While this technique can be effective, chickens may become wiser to it over time, so use it sparingly.

Using a Chicken Catcher

Another tool you can use is a chicken catcher, which provides you with a longer reach. You can make your own chicken catcher using a stick, such as an old broom handle, and a wire, such as a coat hanger. Bend one end of the wire into a loop for a handle and the other end into a hook. The hook's width should be similar to the width of a chicken leg. Approach the chicken quietly, and when you're within reach, sweep the hook under the chicken's body and pull it toward you. Secure the chicken by grabbing its legs with your hand. Remember, this method is most effective when the chicken is not running too fast.

Handling and Training

If you want a more hands-on approach, you can train your chickens to enjoy being handled. Start by handling chicks frequently when they are young, giving them attention and treats. Hold them individually and gently set them down after a few minutes. It's beneficial to do this where the rest of the flock can observe, as they will be curious and less stressed when it's their turn. Over time, your chickens will become more docile, and you'll rarely need to chase them.

Using a Trap

If you're dealing with an aggressive chicken, it's best to avoid handling it with your hands. Instead, set up a bird trap or box trap. Bird traps are designed to shut when the chicken enters, and you can bait them with treats like mealworms. For a box trap, prop up the box, place treats under it, and drop it when the chicken you want is underneath.

Remember, luring chickens into their coop requires patience and creativity. You may need to experiment with different methods and adapt them to your specific situation.

How to catch an aggressive chicken

Catching an aggressive chicken can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to catch an aggressive chicken using a coat hanger:

Prepare the coat hanger:

Start by finding an old, heavy-duty coat hanger. Bend one end of the coat hanger into a long loop that will serve as a handle. Then, bend the other end into a hook-shaped end, ensuring that the width of the hook at the closed end is similar to the width of a chicken's leg.

Lure the chicken:

Before attempting to catch the chicken, it is important to lure it to a confined space where it cannot escape easily. One effective way to do this is to use treats. Place a treat dish inside the coop or a confined space and wait for the chicken to enter.

Approach the chicken:

Once the chicken is within a confined space, quietly approach it, ensuring you are within striking distance. It is important to act calmly and move slowly to avoid spooking the chicken.

Catch the chicken:

When you are within range, use the coat hanger to hook one of the chicken's legs. In one swift motion, pull the chicken towards you while maintaining tension on the leg with the hook. Once the chicken is close enough, grab its leg with your free hand. It is crucial to remember not to stop the motion once you have hooked the chicken's leg, as it may back up and get loose.

Secure the chicken:

After grabbing the chicken's leg with your hand, quickly move to secure the chicken by holding it firmly but gently. Place your hand under its body, with your pointer finger on its chest bone and your thumb on one side and the other three fingers on the other side. This grip will give you better control and prevent the chicken from flapping its wings.

By following these steps and being patient and gentle throughout the process, you can effectively catch an aggressive chicken using a coat hanger without causing harm to the bird. Remember that each chicken is different, and you may need to adjust your approach based on the bird's behaviour and temperament.

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