umbrella thursday Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hi everyone Well we've had the bantam girls for three weeks now and they are loving foraging round the garden in the daytime. The only thing is that they don't seem too fond of us. Does anyone have any tips for taming? Two of them are pekins so I'm sure we should get them to be more used to us, however I don't think my 'keen' two year old daughter is helping as she keeps letting herself into the eglu run to be with them when they're in there. I've told her she has to keep her distance but she's two ... Any tips would be great - thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 If you lift them out of the Eglu at night when they are drowsy and cuddle them....it will get them used to being handled and you used to handling them. One they come into lay they will be a lot friendlier and will crouch as you approach and you will be able to pick them up that way too. Bribing with treats in the afternoon is a sure way into their hearts too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane 20 Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 How sweet...a friend's grand daughter came to see our girls this weekend and she tried to climb into the eglu run too As far as taming is concerned the only thing I can suggest is treats and more treats - especially if you sit down in the garden and put them near you - this worked for our two - especially if had some bread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 The way to a chook's heart is through it's stomach! As Egluntine and Jane20 have said, treats win them round eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 At the beginning we used to bring a different hen into the house each night as they were getting sleepy - they were very docile and happy to be stroked and cuddled. They are generally happy to be picked up now but we tend to have to do it just as they're let out (which is when they crouch the best). Try gentle stroking as they're tucking into a treat . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Even Buffy, my bad tempered brahma has just sat with me on the garden bench eating sultanas. They do love treats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Agree with all of the above - it's treats! Only had my girls 3 and a half weeks and now they come to me in the garden and I can easily get them back into their run - all with the helping of Mixed Corn!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layla Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Put some layers pellets in your hand and feed them keep doing this and gradually they will get tamer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umbrella thursday Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 thank you everybody - they do love their sweetcorn - I will try some mixed corn I think - they are starting to come closer but will not let us pick them up yet. I may try to lift them out when they are drowsy and see how we do with that - this is great advice, thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imo Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 I agree with what everyone has said before - though I have to say, from previous experience with bantams and standard hens, I always found bantams weren't so easy to tame? But lots of treats, and lots of good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...