I have one hen that keeps getting out even when the trap is closed. Found her outside three times this week.
Checked the whole loft for gaps and can’t find anything bigger than an inch. How is she escaping?
Starting to think she’s a magician.
Pigeons can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. If her head fits, she can probably get through.
Check:
- Sputnik entries (can she back out?)
- Bob wire spacing
- Gaps where walls meet roof
- Ventilation openings
- Around doors/windows
Also watch her. Some smart birds figure out how to push through bob wires backwards. Might need to adjust spacing or tension.
I had a hen that learned to lift the bob wires with her head and slip out. Took me ages to figure out.
Added a strip of plastic above the wires so she couldn’t lift them. Problem solved.
Observe her directly if you can. Catch her in the act.
Set up your phone to record the loft while you’re away. I’ve solved mysteries this way.
You’d be surprised what they can figure out. Some birds are genuinely clever escape artists.
Once you know HOW, fixing it is usually easy.