Steve. Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 A friend recommend when the hens squat to give their tails a tug till they fluff their feathers to 'increase egg production'. I have done this to our chooks .... and my wife is getting jealous. Do you do this to your chooks and has it made any difference? I have noticed the hens being a lot more friendly ... and squatting has increased considerably ... they queue up for a second helping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 I've never heard of this so no I haven't done it. My girls usually lay every day so I can't see how it would increase egg production So long as your girls are enjoying it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electricbarbarella Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 what, eh, hu????????????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 No. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 I pick mine up when they squat for me, as it seems so rude to ignore them. If I am worried about getting dirty, I do pat them on the back instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 erm...........no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 I have never heard of it either so thats a no from me! I usually give them a lil pat when they do it! They look so worried when they are squatting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbok Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Maybe you need another option: I don't but now you have put the idea in to my head maybe I will look in to it! Again, I haven't heard of this one - but everything I know about chickens I have learned on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Are you having a laugh withus? Is this true?? Never heard of that before? We just stroke and cuddle our hens. Think will stick to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josephine77 Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 they queue up for a second helping You'll get yourself a reputation if you're not careful I've honestly never heard of this...I wonder what the thinking is behind it?....worst thing is, I have this niggling little urge to try it now to see what happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve. Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 My friend's thinking behind it was that it simulated the cockerel impregnating the hen and also sets the pecking order. It's very funny to watch ... give it a go! As for reputation ... I'm a newbie and was led astray by a seasoned Chicken Rancher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 No. I thought this was a bad thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbok Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 I just tried it with Izzie when I was giving her a cuddle and worked out that it must be something to do with the cockerel malarkey - then came back to share to find Steve had already said it! There may be something in it . .. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 I don't tug their tails (but might now try to see if they like it ) but my always does the fluffing thing if I've picked her up or even just stroked her. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 New one to me too . I'll have to try it now, naturally . I will report back on whether my OH gets jealous too . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Well I'm not convinced the two things are connected but........ Ablett has never laid a proper egg all the time she's been with us. Every day she lays a softie which she then eats. On Saturday we pulled her tail and on Sunday she laid her first full egg! We await today's results with interest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Tug their tails? I've never tried that, but I'll give it a go (in the privacy of my own garden ) Are you supposed to do it at any particular time? Or just when you can grab a chook? I presume you're not supposed to pull very hard? - some of mine still haven't got that many tail feathers Unfortunately my current freeloader Dandelion is the one that won't let me touch her at all but I could try it with the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
