Single hen

[fog_horn_leghorn]

Hi,

Is there any info on the forum with regard to the correct way to build confidence with your chickens to the point of handling? I can imagine hand feeding and the odd sly stroke is the place to start???

 

There was a guide in a back issue of Practical Poulrty but I thought I'd check on here prior to getting a back issue.

 

Cheers

Phil.

[Patricia W]

I started by getting them out of the nest box for a cuddle once they had gone to bed. They are nice and relaxed then. They also quickly get to know when you're bring treats, and come and mug you for then. So you can get them used to you stroking, eating out of your hand etc then.

 

I have three, one of whom came along a month or two after the others. She had been in a large mixed flock and with a family with small children. The 2 and 3 year olds used to walk around with a hen under their arm, or on a bike or in the doll's pram. She is by far the friendliest and actually wants to be picked up for a cuddle. The other two tolerate it.

 

Oh, the other thing mine like is to help me dig when I have new plants to put in - in fact I usually have to give up as they are in the hole most of the time ...... I then sneak out when they are at the bottom of the garden and do the planting quietly before they see me!

 

Chicken resistant plants, of course.

 

Tricia

[Egluntyne]

After they have gone to roost is definitely the best way, as they are drowsy and might shuffle a bit, but won't make a huge fuss or go flapping off into the night. It gets them used to being handled too, even though they seem dozy.