How to catch a smart and fast rooster?

[Tecky]

As I was walking out the gate this morning my rooster, Abner, ran after me and out the coop before I knew it. I live in a very open/wooded area with only a few neighboring homes near by(they all know my I have chickens) and I can't catch him. He won't get near a corner either. I got the fishing net out, but he ran even farther when he saw it. I tried luring him in with the hen, but he ignores her. I think he won't be able to find his way back now since he is pretty far off, maybe in the woods or behind someone's house.

Even if he does come back, how can I catch him? I spent an hour around the fence and couldn't even get close!

 

[doubleatraining]

Go inside take a break and relax!!!

Wait until 4:30-5:00 when it starts getting dark. See if you see him in the back yard. Wait for him to find a good place to roost. Go out when its fully dark and catch him.

Easy peasy!

 

[centrarchid]

As a general rule I avoid chasing chickens unless trying to make them fly. Only exception if more or less an emergency and then be dogged in not stopping until bird is caught. Otherwise most effective option is as indicated above watch for bird to go to roost and then get him after dark. A live trap baited with feed can also be used if unable to find or reach roosting bird.

 

[peepblessed]

He will come back to try to roost in his usual spot. When he falls a sleep, just after dark, grab him.

 

[Chickenaddict]

Leg snare

Worked for a kid I sold a serama rooster to. Kid got the roo home (he was in his trunk not isolated to a box or a cage) the kid opens the trunk, rooster flies out not knowing where he is at that point. Hid in trees for 3 days just as winter was setting in. The kids uncle made a leg snare out of fishing line and caught him that way.

 

[dainerra]

wait for dark for him to go to roost. He'll come back home

also, if you have a live trap, put some scratch in it and put it beside the coop. I swear I catch more chickens in live traps than predators! lol

 

[Tecky]

Thanks for all the replies!
He's back!

I took the advice of just waiting until dark - but I didn't have to find him. I have a light that goes on above my garage door at night and when it was pitch black out I saw him in the light. He must have been scared of the dark. I lead him back into the coop which was close by with a flash light. He went in almost right away and didn't dare step into the dark where he couldn't see. Once he saw Gladys, he ran right up to her and they seemed so happy once again!

I'll have to remember the trapping tips as well for the future. I'd like to go to fence free days in the spring. I have them fenced in now (10'x8' fence and 12'x8' coop) because I first got them at the end of fall and I want them to get used to their new home and outside surroundings so they know how to get back at night...

I guess chickens are smarter than I thought.

 

[can you hear me now?]

I agree. Hickens are creatures of habit. They find a place to roost and usually want to come back to that spot. If jot when it gets dark catch him then.

 

[rancher hicks]

I read once that you never chase animals you LEAD them. Lure Abner with bread or some treat that will draw him to you or where you want him to go.

I wish you success,

Rancher