Sophie Bennett
Catching a chicken is no easy feat, but there are several methods you can use to get the job done. While some people opt for tools like chicken poles, fishing nets, or boxes, others try to lure chickens with treats or train them to enjoy being handled from a young age. The key is to stay calm, as chickens can sense your anxiety and become unsettled. With their speed and agility, outsmarting them is your best bet! So, whether you're a chicken chaser or a calm collector, there's a technique to suit your style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Using a leaf to lure the chicken |
| Ease of catching | Difficult, chickens are faster and more agile than humans |
| Chicken's temperament | Happy and free-range chickens are easier to catch |
| Lure | Use treats to entice the chicken, such as mealworms |
| Trap | Set up a box trap or bird trap baited with treats |
| Net | Use a long fishing net to catch the chicken without touching them |
| Pole | Use a long pole with a hook to catch the chicken by the foot |
| Roosting time | Wait for the chicken to return to its roost |
| Handling | Train chickens to enjoy being handled from a young age |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fishing net
First, try to lure the chicken towards you with treats. Mealworms are a perfect treat to use for this purpose. If the chicken is in a coop, toss the treats inside and stand back. If the chicken is outside, toss the treats in the direction you want the chicken to go, and make a call or signal that you consistently use when you do this. Over time, the chicken will learn to associate the call or signal with treats, and will come looking for them.
If the chicken is still out of reach, get your fishing net. A regular fishing net will work, but if you can get one with a long handle, this will make it easier to catch the chicken without having to get too close. A net with smaller holes is also preferable, as chickens can walk through nets with larger holes. Approach the chicken slowly with the net, and try to snag it or pin it to the ground. If the chicken is in a tree, it is best to catch it on its way up, rather than trying to climb the tree with the net.
Once you have caught the chicken, it may be calmer if you cover it with an old blanket. However, be aware that the chicken is likely to remember this experience and may panic if you try to catch it with a net again in the future.
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Enticing with treats
Enticing chickens with treats is a great way to catch them without causing them stress. It is important to remember that chasing chickens is not ideal, as it can make them afraid of you. Instead, try luring them with treats or gently herding them towards where you want them to go.
One way to do this is to train your chickens to come on command with treats. You can do this by pairing a treat with a signal or sound. For example, you could shake a can of treat food, clap your hands, or use your voice to make a specific call. Eventually, your chickens will associate the sound with treats and come running when they hear it. This method can be used at any time of day and does not involve any chasing.
When choosing a treat to entice your chickens, opt for something high-value and even more enticing than their usual fare. Mealworms, watermelon, and meat are all tasty treats that your chickens might enjoy. You can also try soldier flies or scratch grain.
If you are trying to get your chickens back into their coop, toss some treats inside and leave the door open slightly. The chickens will be drawn towards the treats and may enter the coop to investigate. Another option is to set up a bird trap or box trap baited with treats. Place the trap in an area where your chickens tend to hang out, and they will be lured inside by the promise of a tasty snack.
In addition to using treats, there are a few other things to keep in mind when trying to catch a chicken. Firstly, it is easier to catch chickens when they are calm and unhurried, so try to remain patient and relaxed. Secondly, chickens are faster than humans, so instead of chasing them, try to approach them from behind quietly. Finally, if you are trying to catch a specific chicken, it may be helpful to have multiple people guiding the chicken towards where you want it to go.
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Using a cardboard box
Once the box is over the chicken, carefully close the box flaps underneath the bird so that the box is closed and dark. The darkness of the box will help to calm the chicken. Take your time with this step, as it can be a bit awkward.
After the box is closed, slowly turn it over and carry the chicken to the desired location. If the chicken is aggressive, this method will protect you from spurring or pecking. Finally, release the chicken in its new location.
This method is a safe and gentle way to move a chicken from one location to another, without causing any harm or stress to the bird.
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Handling from a young age
Handling your chickens from a young age is key to ensuring they are comfortable with human interaction and easy to catch when fully grown. Chicks are usually nervous and skittish, so it's important to handle them gently and calmly from the start. Begin by ensuring the chick is fed and content—this will make it less likely to panic when picked up. Then, slowly and gently cup the chick in your hand, ensuring you support its feet so it feels secure. You can also place your hand flat on the ground and gently guide the chick onto it with small movements. This will help the chick feel safe and calm as it is being lifted. Once you have caught the chick, hold it close to your body, keeping it secure and warm.
As the chick grows, continue to handle it regularly, ensuring it is used to being touched and picked up. Always be gentle and calm, and ensure the chicken is fed and happy before you begin. You can also try the 'chicken football' method, where you gently roll a young chicken onto its back and hold it there for a moment. This simulates the natural reaction of 'playing dead' when caught by a predator, and can help the chicken relax and submit to being caught.
It is important to get the chicken used to being handled by different people, too. Ask friends and family to handle the chickens, ensuring they are calm and gentle, and that the birds don't associate humans with stress or panic. Always ensure the chickens are treated with respect and care, and that they are returned to their coop or enclosure calmly and safely.
By starting early and being consistent, your chickens will become accustomed to being handled, making it much easier to catch them when they are older. This process takes time and patience, but it is worth it to ensure the chickens are comfortable and relaxed during human interaction.
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Using a chicken pole
To increase your chances of success when using a chicken pole, try luring the chicken with treats. Mealworms are an excellent option for enticing chickens back into their coop. Open the coop door and toss in a handful of mealworms, then stand back and wait. If the chicken is not easily tricked, you may need to physically catch it with the pole.
When using the chicken pole, it is essential to remain calm and patient. Avoid yelling or making a fuss, as this will only unsettle the chicken and make it reluctant to come to you. Try to approach the chicken gently and slowly. If possible, have multiple people help you corral the chicken, as this will make the process less traumatic for the bird and increase your chances of success.
Remember that chickens are smarter than they are often given credit for. Once they have seen the pole in use, they may become wary and more challenging to catch in the future. Therefore, it is advisable to use the chicken pole sparingly and only when necessary. Additionally, always prioritize the chicken's well-being and try to minimize stress during the catching process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a fishing net to catch a chicken without touching it. You can also use a box trap or a bird trap, which is a cage that shuts when the chicken walks in.
First, try to lure the chicken back into the coop with treats. If that doesn't work, you can use a net or a pole to catch it.
Use a long pole, about four feet in length, with a hook on one end. Hook the pole around the chicken's foot and catch hold of it while it is 'hobbled'.
Find a box large enough to contain the chicken. Corner the chicken and gently place the box over it. Carefully close the flaps underneath the bird and slowly turn the box over. The darkness of the box will calm the bird.
