Chicken Catching: A Guide to Safe and Humane Practices
Chicken catching is a routine but crucial task in poultry farming, necessary for various purposes such as
health checks, vaccinations, relocation, or preparing birds for market. While seemingly straightforward,
improper handling can lead to stress, injury, or reduced welfare for the birds. This guide provides an
overview of best practices for safe, efficient, and humane chicken catching, suitable for small backyard
flocks to larger commercial operations.
Why Catch Chickens?
There are several common reasons why chickens need to be caught:
• Health Checks: Regular examination for signs of illness, injury, or parasites.
• Vaccination and Treatment: Administering medication or vaccines.
• Relocation: Moving birds to a different coop, run, or property.
• Culling or Processing: Selecting birds for removal from the flock or for meat production.
• Introducing New Birds: Briefly isolating new birds before integrating them with an existing
flock.
• Shows or Exhibitions: Preparing birds for transport to poultry shows.
Ethical Considerations and Bird Welfare
The welfare of the chickens should always be the top priority. Stress and injury can significantly impact
a bird's health, productivity, and overall well-being.
• Minimizing Stress: Chickens are prey animals and can become easily frightened. A calm, quiet
approach is essential to reduce stress.
• Preventing Injury: Fragile bones and delicate feathers mean that rough handling can easily
cause fractures, bruising, or feather damage.
• Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease, especially when handling
multiple birds.
Preparation for Catching
Good preparation ensures a smoother and less stressful experience for both the chickens and the
handler.
• Time of Day: Catching chickens in the dark or dim light is often easiest as they are less active
and have poorer night vision. This is particularly effective for larger flocks.
• Equipment:
• Catching Hook (optional): A specialized hook can be used by experienced handlers to
gently catch a chicken by the leg.
• Nets (for flighty birds): A soft, large net can be useful for catching particularly skittish
birds without causing injury.
• Carriers/Crates: Secure, well-ventilated carriers are essential for temporary
containment or transport.
• Gloves: For hygiene and protection from pecks or scratches.
• Dim Lighting: If catching during daylight, consider dimming the lights in the coop.
• Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles from the coop or run that could injure birds during the
process.
• Team (for larger flocks): If catching many birds, having a calm and coordinated team can make
the process more efficient.
Techniques for Catching Chickens
The method chosen will depend on the size of the flock, the temperament of the birds, and the reason
for catching them.
1. The Calm Hand Approach (for small, tame flocks):
• Approach Slowly: Move quietly and calmly into the coop or run.
• Cornering Gently: Gently guide the desired chicken into a corner without chasing it.
• Secure Grip: Place one hand firmly over the bird's back and wings to prevent flapping.
• Lift: Support the bird's body with your other hand from underneath, ensuring its weight
is distributed. Avoid dangling by the legs alone.
• Head Protection: Keep the bird's head facing away from you to minimize pecking.
2. Using a Catching Hook (for experienced handlers):
• Gentle Engagement: Slowly extend the hook towards the chicken's leg.
• Loop the Leg: Gently hook one of the chicken's legs above the hock (heel joint).
• Draw Gently: Carefully draw the bird towards you, supporting its body as soon as
possible.
• Never Jerk: Avoid sudden movements that could dislocate the leg.
3. Using a Net (for flighty or fast birds):
• Soft Net: Use a net with fine, soft mesh to prevent feather damage or tangling.
• Quick and Smooth: Make a quick, decisive sweep with the net to envelop the bird.
• Immediate Transfer: Once caught in the net, immediately secure the bird with your
hands and transfer it to a carrier or holding area.
4. In the Dark/Dim Light (for larger flocks or shy birds):
• Wait for Roosting: Allow the chickens to roost for the night.
• Enter Quietly: Enter the coop very quietly, preferably with a dim red or blue light
(chickens see these less well).
• Grab Gently: Locate the desired chicken on the roost and gently but firmly grasp it by
the body, securing its wings.
• Remove Individually: Carefully lift the bird from the roost, ensuring not to disturb
others.
Holding and Carrying Chickens
Proper holding is crucial to prevent injury and keep the bird calm.
• One Hand Over Wings: Place one hand firmly over the bird's back, securing both wings against
its body to prevent flapping.
• Support Underneath: Use your other hand to support the bird's breast and legs from
underneath.
• Legs Tucked: Keep the bird's legs tucked up close to its body to prevent struggling and potential
injury.
• Avoid Dangling: Never carry a chicken solely by its legs for an extended period, as this can
dislocate joints or cause internal injury.
• Head Position: Hold the bird close to your body, with its head facing away from you, to
minimize pecking.
After Catching
• Containment: Place the chicken in a secure, well-ventilated carrier if it needs to be held for a
period.
• Observe: After release, observe the bird for any signs of stress or injury. Ensure it re-integrates
well with the flock.
• Clean Up: Clean any soiled areas in the coop or run.
Conclusion
Chicken catching is a necessary skill for anyone raising poultry. By prioritizing the bird's welfare through
careful planning, gentle handling techniques, and a calm demeanor, it's possible to make the process
efficient, stress-free, and safe for both the chickens and the handler. Understanding these best
practices ensures that the task is carried out humanely, contributing to the overall health and
happiness of the flock.
Here's an image of a chicken, for context:
