4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[melly264]

Silly question, but I am getting some ex-batts, (today!!!) and am wanting to handle them as much as poss. The success of them as pets will depend very much on how tame we can make them.

The problem is, if we are supposed to keep them in the eglu and run only at first whilst they get used to their surroundings, how/when am I going to get a chance to handle them. I am pretty sure that getting in the run is not a good idea! (Besides, don't think my bottom would fit!)

Any clues and general hints for taming ex-batts would be much appreciated

[*mummy_hen*]

I collected my ex-batts last friday and are really tame already - this picture was taken on the day we collected them, although we just sat with them for a couple of hours and they would eventually come over, climb over you and now come running when they see you.

The only thing i could suggest would be if you sat outside the run so they get used to you being there, try feeding them by hand, that kind of thing, but utlimately spend as much time with them as you can.

 

[Egluntyne]

Lift them out through the pop hole at night. Speak to them ad stroke them. They will get used to the sound of your voice and to being handled, and you will get used to handling them, whilst they are drowsy and not likely to flap about.

 

[Guest]

give them a few days to settle in first, talk to them gently so they get used to your voice and you being around.

 

We left ours in the run for about 2 weeks to get used to their surroundings and get some strength back. Then we let them out to free range and get used to the garden. We sit on the garden bench and watch them. Once they'd got used to free ranging we started introducing treats, such as grapes, meal worms etc. Then we started trying to get them to eat from our hands by enticing them with treats. Once they got used to us and associated us with treats we enticed them to jump up on the bench next to us.

 

Now they follow us everywhere and jump straight on our laps when we sit down.

 

They key, I think, is not to rush it and be patient. They have a lot of new things to get used to and we didn't want to overload them.

 

[melly264]

thanks for the info, not very good at being patient! Will have to try, wish us luck, they are due here in about an hour!

[Guest]

good luck! Post some pics as soon as you can

[peanut12]

if yours are anyhting like ours, they'll probably be quite dosy for the first couple of days so they're easy to get hold of. Then on about day 3 they'll remember it's fun to run away from you

[buffie]

After about 2 weeks they run to you, enjoy them they are adorable

 

BBx

[Janty]

They soon get used to you and become tame. As other people have said, get them out through the egg hole in the evening and sit with them on your knee, stroking them. They soon get used to the pampering though and expect it all the time.

[SLK69]

I would agree - after about two weeks of realising where food and treats come from - they get pretty tame. I have a special noise I make when I'm giving treats and it make sme laugh to watch them run full tilt from where ever they have been

 

S

[melly264]

they're here!

They do seem quiet tame already, I've been following the advice of sitting next to the run and just talking, when I've opend the door they aren't running away, but are a bit skittish.

I'll give them some cuddles tonight!!

[*mummy_hen*]

Pleased it's going well Melly - i definately think spending time with them is key. Not even had mine a week yet and they go mad when they see me coming, all come running over. Love cuddles and attention and are just generally content!

[cathybc]

one of mine was my bestest friend within a week - the others took two. As others have said, they son get used to your voice,especially if food soon follows ! Mine now follow me round the garden. They also wait for me in the conservatory while I go into the garage to get their nosh, and if I take too long, they come looking for me in the utility room. hermione has even put a foot into the hall. They soon take over ! But, they are not crazy about cuddles, they let me pick them up fine but seem to put up with it more than actually enjoying it.