Single hen

[Kenilchick]

Four weeks into chicken keeping and I'm still glad I got them !

 

Problem is - although they all come running when I come outside and they all will take food from my hand, Nugget is the only one that lets me get close enough to pick her up. Beauty and Shirley especially seem to know what I'm thinking if I so much as try to pick them up and scoot out of the way. I don't want to spook them anymore by making a grab. I do stroke them all briefly through the eggport when they are closed in at night.

 

It wouldn't be a problem except I know I should be giving them the once over regularly to check for beasties (I am sprinkling louse powder into the dust bath and on the nest bedding).

 

I would be grateful for any advice on "taming". I would love to be able to pick them all up and give them some cuddles too .

[Hen Watch]

You say you stroke them through the egg port at night. But have you taken a sleepy chicken out of the egg port at night and held one? That first stage gives you confidence (rather than the bird) and they struggle less. I found it useful (and also to wear long sleeves as the new girls had really sharp nails initially).

 

I notice from your signature that they have started laying. When they crouch more around you they are easier to pick up when they "freeze". It took me about a month to perfect picking them up and quite a few comical moments of me running round the garden after them. It does get easier though.

 

Isn't there something in FAQ or on Omlet guide about this?