Raising chickens is a common hobby for land owners, farms, and even city dwellers. It is in fact a great way to have fresh eggs available most days. However, in some cases the hens run away and need to be caught, but you may also have to take them to inspect them for pests or other problems. This task is not always easy, as the hens scatter and try to get away. One way to keep them confined is to build a chicken coop. However, it is important to know how to catch an escaped hen.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Catching a Hen at Night
Step 1. Consider waiting overnight to catch the hen
It will usually be easier when it is dark.
- At night, the chickens perch, so they are less mobile and easier to catch them by surprise.
- If you have a chicken coop, you can catch a chicken after it perches for the night on one of the perches. If a specimen has escaped, look for where it perched and capture it.
- You should try to be as quiet and gentle as possible.
Step 2. Approach the hen in silence with a flashlight
Avoid making too much noise and sudden movements.
- Point the light to the ground.
- If you are inside the coop and point the light directly at the chickens, you run the risk of waking or scaring them.
- Slowly approach the hen.
Step 3. Get the hen
You can do this slowly and gently, without disturbing the entire chicken coop.
- Squeeze your hands and take the hen above the wings.
- In this way it will not be able to move its wings and will not disturb the other specimens.
- Hold the hen close to your chest, like you would a pet.
Method 2 of 3: Catching a Day Chicken
Step 1. Use a decoy
Try spreading some feed and the chickens should run.
- Try doing this inside the chicken coop. It is an enclosed space, where it will be easier to take the specimen you want.
- If the chickens don't come close to you on regular feed you can try to entice them with bits of bread, but you shouldn't use them in their regular diet.
- Once the chickens have reached the food, you can get close to them.
Step 2. Slowly approach the hen from behind
If you move quickly you could scare her and make her run away.
- Try to be as quiet as possible.
- Don't make sudden movements.
- Lower yourself over the hen.
- This movement can cause it to stop, squat and spread its wings. This is the behavior they take during mating.
Step 3. Grab the hen
You can do this in many ways.
- The simplest and most delicate one is to lower yourself and lift it slowly from below. Keep your hands or arms above the wings so it can't flutter away.
- You can also take the hen by the back and tail. Squeeze your hands and lift it gently, from underneath. If it runs forward, grab its tail feathers and grab it over the shoulders.
- Try not to grab the tail feathers if possible, as this is a very unpleasant feeling for chickens.
- You can also try grabbing the hen by the legs. If you decide to use this method, don't hold it upside down.
Step 4. Try using a hook if you can't catch the hen with your hands
It is a less delicate and silent but effective method.
- The hooks for catching chickens are long-handled sticks with an iron hook on one side.
- Try grabbing the hen by the leg and pulling it towards you.
- You can also use a net to catch a particularly stubborn specimen.
Method 3 of 3: Build a Chicken Coop to Prevent Chicken Escape
Step 1. Prevent chickens from escaping by building a chicken coop
You should use quality wood and strong wire mesh.
- A chicken coop is a structure that houses chickens.
- Almost all chicken coops are built on raised platforms, with doors closed by hooks and windows protected by wire mesh.
- The wire nets prevent the hens from escaping and the predators from entering the chicken coop.
- Almost all chicken coops have perches on which the hens can perch and spaces in which they can lay their eggs.
Step 2. Plan the size of the chicken coop
The hens will need to have enough space inside.
- Consider at least 0.2-0.4 square feet of space per hen.
- You need a nest for every 3-4 hens.
- For example, if you have 12 hens, the chicken coop must be at least 2.2 square meters large and must contain at least six nests.
Step 3. Consider building a platform for the chicken coop
Elevating the structure is necessary to prevent predators from digging in.
- You can elevate the chicken coop with concrete blocks, bricks, or wooden platforms.
- Trace the size of the chicken coop on the ground, then place the platforms on each corner.
- To make the platforms more resistant you can bury them.
Step 4. Create the floor
Almost all chicken coops have wooden floors if they are raised.
- Inexpensive linoleum-covered plywood is a popular and inexpensive solution for chicken coop floors.
- Linoleum coatings are durable and easy to clean.
- If you have decided not to build an elevated chicken coop you can leave the existing earth floor, but this way predators will be able to enter from below.
- If you don't have an elevated chicken coop you can make the concrete floor. This will protect the chickens from predators and will be easy to clean.
Step 5. Build the walls and entrance to the chicken coop
You can start with a plywood frame.
- Make sure the coop is ventilated. This means that the sides should mainly consist of windows and not solid wooden walls.
- Cover the openings with strong wire mesh. In this way the hens will not escape and the predators will not be able to enter.
- Build a door with a lock. Choose a lobster clasp, because raccoons and other predators are able to open side-scrolling latches.
Step 6. Build the nests
Here the hens will lay their eggs.
- You should build nests that are approximately 80 cm square. You will need one for every 3-4 hens.
- You can place them at floor level or on a platform.
- If they are elevated, build a small ramp or ladder so that the hens can reach them.
Step 7. Place the perches at the top of the coop
They should be located above the nests.
- If you place the perches under the nests, the hens will be tempted to sleep in the nests, making them dirty. In that case they would no longer be suitable for spawning.
- Install a wooden plank with at least 20cm of space for each hen.
- Avoid metal perches, which can get too cold in winter. You should also avoid plastic ones, which can get slippery.
Step 8. Build a secure roof
You can make it inclined, so as to drain the rainwater, or flat.
- Make sure the roof is solid and free of holes. Don't risk hens getting wet when it rains.
- You also need to make sure that the hens stay in the shade.
- Some DIY chicken coop construction kits contain shingles to seal the roof. You can use them or build the roof as you like.
Step 9. Add a layer of inert material on the floor and in the chicken coop nests
This will provide cozy padding for the chickens.
- Do not use hay, as it can rot.
- Sand and sawdust can become damp, dirty and favor the proliferation of bacteria.
- Straw and pine needles are the best and cleanest materials.
Step 10. Maintain the house regularly
You need to make sure it is always clean and free of escape routes.
- You should clean the coop often.
- Hens get dirty, so you need to replace the material inside and wash the floor regularly.
- Make sure the locks, wire mesh and platforms are secure and free of holes.
Advice
- Don't get frustrated. Don't take the risk of harming your chickens. If you feel too irritated after failing a couple of attempts, give up for now.
- Note that chickens do not like being taken by the tail. Don't do this unless absolutely necessary.
- Focus your efforts on the rooster or hen house matriarch. Other chickens have a tendency to congregate around these birds, so getting them to the coop first can make it easier for you.
- Try to push the chickens towards a building or other type of obstacle. These animals don't fight if cornered, so you'll be able to catch them more easily if they can't escape.
- Don't squeeze the chicken too much when you pick it up.
Warnings
- Make sure you are not too abrupt or you could injure the hen.
- Never grab a hen by the wings. This can cause severe damage and is not the best way to catch it.
- Some roosters and hens (especially game species) will charge you if they consider you a threat to the brood or flock.
- You may get caught or hit by the wings.
- Never turn a chicken over, not even for a second. This is very dangerous and can even be lethal to sick or weak specimens. Always try to treat chickens as gently as possible.
