chickenlicken123 Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 I know this is discussed regularly but I really wanted to ask some advice. Is it better for me to just wait until my lovely girls are laying, is it MUCH easier then? At the moment I can grab a quick stroke, 2 are more comfortable with this that than the 3rd but when I decide I AM going to pick one up, it ends in me feeling like I've chased them and guilt kicks in! I have thought of picking up just after they have retired for the night but I don't want them to think I'm invaiding their space and I don't want my hand pecked off! I don't think that would happen but I'm a bit apprehensive! They did only arrive on Sunday afternoon, am I just running before I can walk so to speak? Thanks in advance for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 You do feel that you are chasing them at first but it doesn't take that long before they are semi-willing to be picked up. My pekins are happy to stand still whilst I scoop them up now but it's taken since October. My splash cochin is still an anti-social madame. They are all different. Don't worry though...carry on trying to pick them up. They will get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatsCube Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 You could always get the practice in the early evening. They are docile when it gets dark so you can pick one up for a cuddle then. maybe bring her indoors for a cuddle (mine like having their wattles stroked) then they will get used to you handling them and not see you as a threat. The other thing I do is sit on a stool in their run and offer them treats (namely sultanas or meal worms) the ctahc is that I hold them between my thumb and fore finger on one hand so they have to take it from me, and the other hand I use to stroke them at the same time. Slowly they pluck up the courage to eat from your fingers and get stroked at the same time. From their you can move onto coaching them onto your knee for treats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 You won't get pecked if you stroke them through the door at nighttime - they are really docile then . I would persevere - try to bribe them with grapes, mealworms etc & they'll be sitting on your knee before you know it . My Molly used to run a mile when I went towards her - she's been squatting happily for me for a week or so and she laid her first egg today . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 It is certainly much easier once they're laying, but they won't mind you stroking or picking them up in the evening once they're sleepy. It will give you more confidence too. Have a go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 They are unlikely to peck you once they have gone to roost....they go into a sort of trance and then you can give them a cuddle. It will get you more confident about handling them too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 I found that it took me a few weeks to perfect it. I was running round the garden too at first. But after a month or so you'll find that when they are free ranging they just come and stand by you and you can quickly grab them. As others have said though, once they start crouching (laying) it's dead easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlicken123 Posted January 31, 2008 Author Share Posted January 31, 2008 Well thank you to all for the replies. This evening I waited 5 minutes after they'd gone in and gave them all a lovely long stroke. I don't think I left it long enough for them to be quite docile enough for picking up but I will build up to it I promise. I'm possessed, I need to! Thanks again for all your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Mine didn't really like to be touched until they started laying, now they regularly try to trip me up by crouching at my feet! I'm not really into cuddling my chickens but it is nice now that they'll stay still long enough for a stroke! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
