Emily Carter
Catching a hen and her chicks can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques, it is achievable. One effective method is to use bait or treats to lure them towards you or to a specific location. This can include foods such as tomatoes, oatmeal, corn, grapes, fruit, or bread. Creating a trail of treats can help guide the hen and her chicks towards an enclosed area, making it easier to contain them. It is also recommended to approach hens slowly and calmly, as abrupt movements can startle them. Additionally, some people suggest using tools such as nets, chicken poles, or even a simple cardboard box to aid in the capture. Catching the chicks individually can also make it easier to capture the mother hen. While it may take some patience and persistence, these strategies can increase the chances of successfully catching a hen and her chicks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people required | 1 or 2 |
| Equipment | Net, bag of soldier flies, treats, stick, chicken wire, cardboard box, flashlight |
| Time of day | Night |
| Technique | Luring, herding, blocking/diverting, chasing, picking up, squatting, encircling, cornering |
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What You'll Learn
Use bait or treats to lure them
When a chicken escapes, the first thing you should do is try to entice it near the coop with treats. If the chicken has been hanging out by the coop, open the door slightly and toss a treat inside. Mealworms are a perfect treat when you're trying to lure a chicken back into the coop. Open the coop door, toss in a handful of mealworms, and stand back. If you're lucky, the chicken will return, and no harm is done.
If you have a small flock with which you've built a trusting relationship, picking them up individually is the best way to go. They will come to look on these "checks" as a time to sit in your lap and enjoy some extra attention and perhaps a treat. If you are going to do something a bit unpleasant, like worming medicine or dusting, it might be a good idea to do it in a separate room away from the rest of the flock so that the other birds don't get unsettled.
If you have the time and patience and have worked on building a trusting relationship with your birds, you can try sitting in a chair near the coop and sprinkling some scratch or treats on the ground to entice your hens. Remember to have a good book with you—hens are never in a hurry!
You can also try herding the chickens. Walk slowly towards them with your arms out at your sides or with a stick or a rake, and herd them towards where you want them to go. If you need to catch and pick one up, herd it calmly to a corner, slowly crouch, hold its wings down, and pick it up. Chasing them will only make them afraid of you.
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Catch them while roosting
Catching a hen and her chicks while they are roosting is a good idea because they are extremely calm and won't resist when you try to grab them. If you can, it's best to wait until full dark when the chickens are asleep. Bring a friend with a flashlight or wear a headlamp, but don't shine the light directly into the chickens' eyes. Use just enough light to make sure you've caught the right birds. Then, move quickly, clasping each bird firmly with its wings clamped against its sides.
If you are catching the birds during the day, you can try luring them with treats. Walk slowly towards them, with your arms out at your sides, or use a stick or a rake to gently herd them towards where you want them to go. If you need to catch and pick one up, herd it calmly into a corner, slowly crouch, hold its wings down, and pick it up.
If you are trying to catch a hen in a coop that is too large to pick up quickly or is too aggressive to handle, try this method: find a box large enough to contain the bird you want to catch. Corner the chicken and gently place the container over it. Carefully flip the box flaps closed underneath the bird, then slowly turn the box over and carry it.
If you are trying to catch a hen that has escaped from the coop, it's likely that it will return to the coop that evening, especially if it's the only one out. Chickens prefer the company of other chickens and will try to get back to their flock when it's time to roost. You can usually find an escaped chicken near the coop at dusk, looking for a way back in.
If you want to catch a hen that is roosting in a tree, it's best to catch it on its way up the tree rather than climbing the tree with a net in hand. You can also set up nest boxes to spring shut once the hen is inside.
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Use a net
Using a net to catch a hen and her chicks can be an effective method, but it should be used sparingly as it can be a traumatic experience for the birds. Here are some detailed steps and considerations for using a net:
Choosing the Right Net
Select a net with a long handle, which will give you better reach and help you avoid getting too close to the hens. A net with small holes is preferable, especially if you're catching chicks or smaller chickens. A circular or triangular fishing landing net is a good option. Avoid using a net with large holes, as smaller chickens and chicks may escape through them.
Preparing for the Capture
Before attempting to catch the hen and her chicks, it's important to corral them into an enclosed space, such as a coop or a pen. This will make it easier to target the specific hen you want to catch and prevent them from scattering in different directions. If possible, try to approach the hen slowly and quietly to avoid unsettling her. Remember that chickens are genetically programmed to move away from perceived threats, so sudden movements or loud noises may scare them.
Using the Net
Once you have located the hen, position yourself behind her and swoop the net down and over her. Be prepared for the hen's displeasure, as she may peck at you or struggle. If you're catching a chick, aim to capture the mother hen first, as the chicks are likely to follow her. You can then use the net to gently capture the chicks, being careful not to harm them.
After the Capture
Once you have caught the hen and her chicks, you can place an old blanket over the net to help calm them down. Remember that they may not quickly forget this experience, and they may become suspicious or fearful of nets in the future. Therefore, it's important to use this method sparingly and only when necessary.
Using a net can be an effective way to catch a hen and her chicks, but it should be combined with other methods, such as luring with treats and building trust, to minimize stress for both the birds and yourself.
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Get help from another person
If you're trying to catch a hen and her chicks, it's best to get help from another person. Here are some tips to make the process safer and more efficient:
First, try to herd the hen and her chicks into an enclosed space, such as a pen or a corner of a yard or coop. Having two people makes herding much easier, as you can coordinate your movements to guide the birds effectively without causing them to scatter. One person can also hold a stick or rake to gently guide the birds in the desired direction.
Once the birds are in an enclosed space, one person can slowly approach the hen from behind, mimicking the posture of a rooster. This may cause the hen to stop walking, crouch down, and slightly raise her wings, making it easier to catch her. The other person can then gently grasp the hen with both hands over her wings to prevent flapping, and carefully pick her up.
If you're trying to catch the chicks as well, it's best to catch them one by one. Having an extra pair of hands is extremely helpful in this situation. While one person holds the mother hen, the other can gently pick up each chick, taking care not to startle them.
If the hen or chicks are particularly elusive, you can try using a net. One person can hold the net while the other herds the birds towards it. Be sure to get to the birds quickly after catching them in the net to prevent them from hurting themselves. Alternatively, you can use a box to capture the birds. Corner the bird and gently place the container over it. Carefully close the box and then slowly turn it over before carrying the bird to the desired location.
Remember, it's important to work calmly and quietly when catching a hen and her chicks. Chasing them or causing a commotion will only make them more afraid and difficult to catch.
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Use a box to trap them
Using a box to trap a hen and her chicks is a safe and gentle way to move them from one location to another. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Find a box that is large enough to contain the hen and her chicks. A cardboard box or a cat box can work well. Make sure the box has flaps that can be closed to secure the birds inside.
Before attempting to catch the hen and her chicks, it is important to build trust with them. Regularly handle the birds and provide them with treats to build a positive association. This will make them more likely to come to you when you try to catch them.
When you are ready to catch the hen and her chicks, approach them slowly and deliberately, making small movements to avoid alerting them. Try to corner the hen and gently place the box over her and her chicks.
Carefully and slowly flip the box flaps closed, being mindful of the hen's wings so she can't flap around. Once the box is closed and dark, the birds may calm down.
Slowly turn the box over and carry it to the desired location. The darkness of the box can help to calm the birds and protect you from any spurring or pecking.
If you are having trouble cornering the hen and her chicks, you can try herding them into a confined space or using treats to lure them towards the box. You can also try waiting until dusk when they are more likely to be in their coop, making it easier to catch them.
Remember that chickens are genetically programmed to move away from perceived threats, so always approach them calmly and quietly to avoid frightening them.
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Frequently asked questions
Try to herd them into a pen or fenced area. You can also try luring them with treats like tomatoes, oatmeal, corn, or grapes. If you can't catch the mother hen, try catching the chicks first, as this will make it easier to catch her.
Roosting chickens are easy to catch. Come up behind them with a flashlight, gently pick them up, and grasp them to your chest. You can also try coming up behind a squatting hen and reaching out your hand. She will squat because she feels that you are a rooster and is submitting to mating.
You can use a net, a chicken pole, or a towel. You can also try shaking a jar of treats to lure them to where you want them to go.
Avoid chasing the hen, as this can be stressful for both you and the bird. Try to remain calm and unhurried, and make small, slow, deliberate movements when approaching the hen.
