Best Ways to Catch a Chicken
Whether you’re a new chicken keeper or a seasoned homesteader, there’s one universal truth about chickens—they can be surprisingly difficult to catch. These feathery athletes are fast, agile, and somehow always know when you’re coming for them. So what are the best ways to catch a chicken without stress or injury?
This guide walks you through practical, humane, and effective techniques for catching chickens, including tips, tools, and real-world tricks to make it easy, even if your birds are flighty escape artists.
Why You Might Need to Catch a Chicken
There are plenty of reasons you may need to catch a member of your flock:
- Routine health checks or vaccinations
- Clipping wings or trimming nails
- Moving them to a new coop or enclosure
- Isolating sick or injured birds
- Transporting to a show, breeder, or processing
No matter the reason, knowing how to do it safely and efficiently is an essential chicken-keeping skill.
Best Times of Day to Catch Chickens
The easiest time to catch chickens is at night or very early in the morning when they are naturally drowsy and docile.
Chickens roost after sundown and become calm, nearly immobile. You can walk right up to them, gently lift them off the perch, and complete your task without a chase.
When to Avoid Catching Chickens:
- In the heat of the day — stress and overheating risk
- Right after laying — hens can be hormonal or agitated
- During molting — birds are more sensitive and flighty
Top 7 Ways to Catch a Chicken
1. Catch Them at Night on the Roost
Best method for minimal stress and maximum success. Wait until dark, enter the coop quietly with a flashlight, and gently lift the bird from the roost. This method works even with the most skittish chickens.
2. Use a Long-Handled Chicken Catching Hook
A chicken catcher or shepherd’s crook is a curved rod used to hook around the bird’s leg or body. These are especially useful for catching free-range birds in large areas.
- Hook gently behind one leg or around the breast
- Pull toward you slowly and lift with your hands
Use with caution and always support the bird once caught to avoid leg strain.
3. Herd Them Into a Corner or Small Space
For multiple chickens or daytime catching, try herding. Use boards, netting, or your arms to guide birds into a small area or pen.
Pro tip: Move slowly and calmly. Sudden movements can send the flock into panic.
4. Use a Fishing Net or Laundry Basket
Perfect for quick captures in open spaces. A soft-mesh fishing net or inverted laundry basket can help trap a chicken without harming feathers or wings.
Once covered, slide your hands underneath, gently pin the wings, and lift.
5. Lure With Treats
If your birds are used to hand feeding, treats can be the ultimate bait. Try:
- Mealworms
- Scratch grain
- Chopped fruit or veggie scraps
Scatter a small pile in a corner or inside a pen. When the bird is focused on the treat, gently reach down and scoop her up.
6. Use a Chicken Trap or Coop Funnel
Great for free-range or runaway chickens. A chicken trap works like a one-way door—once the bird enters, it can’t exit. Place treats inside and check frequently.
Alternatively, create a narrow funnel into a pen or coop so chickens can go in, but not easily turn around and escape.
7. Grab Behind the Wings (Proper Handling)
Once you’ve caught a chicken, it’s crucial to hold it correctly:
- Use both hands to gently but firmly hold around the wings
- Support the chest and legs with your palm and fingers
- Hold close to your body to prevent flapping
Never grab a chicken by the wings, legs, or tail alone. Doing so can cause injury or stress.
What NOT to Do When Catching Chickens
Even with the best intentions, you can accidentally hurt or frighten your birds. Avoid the following:
- Don’t chase chickens — it increases fear and exhaustion
- Don’t grab feathers or tail — they’ll break or pull out easily
- Don’t use force or sudden movements
- Don’t hold a chicken upside down for more than a few seconds
The calmer you stay, the calmer your chicken will be.
How to Catch Chickens in a Large Open Area
Chickens in pastures or open fields are tricky to wrangle. Here’s a strategy:
- Wait for evening or use a shaded area to slow them down
- Set up a small enclosure or netting fence in advance
- Use treats to lure them toward the trap or funnel
- Use a team of two or more people to gently herd
Be patient. Sometimes, it’s about strategy, not speed.
Why Catching Chickens Gets Easier Over Time
As you build trust with your flock, catching them becomes easier. Chickens are smart—they learn routines, recognize voices, and respond to patterns.
Tips to Make Future Catching Easier:
- Feed treats from your hand regularly
- Practice gentle handling often
- Train chickens to come when called (yes, it’s possible!)
- Keep the environment calm and familiar
Natural Chicken Keeping Starts With Gentle Handling
Raising chickens the right way means handling them with care, managing their health naturally, and giving them the best life possible. For natural remedies, emergency care tips, and home-based solutions, you need The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies.
This practical guide includes 100+ natural treatments for poultry, pets, and people. From respiratory issues to parasites, you’ll be prepared with holistic remedies that actually work.
And if you’re ready to build a better coop, chicken tractor, or solar-powered waterer, don’t miss the Woodworking, DIY & Green Energy Plans Guide. It includes thousands of detailed, step-by-step blueprints perfect for beginner and expert builders alike.
Conclusion
Catching a chicken doesn’t have to be a frustrating game of tag. With the right timing, techniques, and tools, you can safely catch even the most elusive hen or rooster. Whether it’s for health care, relocation, or routine handling, your approach makes all the difference.
Start handling your flock with confidence. Download The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies and explore natural, stress-free poultry care. Need to build your own coop setup? Get the DIY & Green Energy Plans Guide today.