mags Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I think my chickens are getting used to me as I was able to pet Cassie this morning ( well she was stuffing her face and did not move away ) any tips ? mags Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 It's easier to handle them when they've just gone to roost. Wait for them to have been in bed for awhile, so they are a bit sleepy. You can then stroke them and lift them out through the pop hole. You can also try getting them to eat out of your hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Had mine a few weeks and I have just regularly been picking them up and holding them and stroking them. I just pick them up by putting a hand each side of their wings and then the way the Omlet man showed me (fingers between the legs and other hand on top). I also stroke them when I feed them corn or treats from my hand (with leather gloves on!!!) and when they are in the garden free ranging me and the kids are usually out there so they get used to us. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 It's easier to handle them when they've just gone to roost. Wait for them to have been in bed for awhile, so they are a bit sleepy. You can then stroke them and lift them out through the pop hole. You can also try getting them to eat out of your hand. I know that picking them up once they are sleepy is a good idea to get them used to being picked up but I don't like to disturb them once they are in bed!! Just being silly I guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazzarina Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I'm just the same as jlo - they look so peaceful when they're tucked up at night that I'd hate to disturb them. Feeding them from your hand is a great idea. They also get tamer when they start laying, I think you'll find. One of mine - Carmencita - was a real wildchild before the eggs came along; we had all kinds of ridiculous scenes with me scooting around after her and failing to catch her. She's still rather flighty, but I've managed to pick her up since she started laying (they crouch when they're in lay, a very useful habit for when you need to catch them for a health check). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mags Posted March 13, 2009 Author Share Posted March 13, 2009 cassie is allowing me to pet her and Babs will take a grape from my hands so it looks like I am doing the right things mags Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beverley Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 hi, i have had my 2 hens since november, they only started laying feb 14th, they would never let me pick them up at all, they weren't scared, just not interested. and would run a mile, the only time i did it was when i let them out too late, and it got dark really quickly, and the silly birds couldn't find their run. luckily they headed towards the house (the lights were on.) since they have started laying they let me pick them up whenever no problem. they are a little put out most of the time, (not at all cuddly like i read on here. ) but we have definitely reached a friendly arrangement . im sure yours will change once they start laying. good luck beverley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
