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

[Margalot]

I know this may sound daft but after having my girls since January, I am still not confident handling them

 

I can pick them up, but they wiggle thier legs and eventually flap away so I have to put them down.

 

I can pick them up by standing over them and when they crouch , then put my hands over their wings and hold firm, but they will wiggle their legs as if they are trying to run away.

 

Is ist just that some girls dont mind a cuddle and mine aren't keen?

 

One of the pictures on the home page shows 2 ladies with a hen each under one arm!

 

Any tips for the best way to hold or is it just me

 

I have a tough time if I have to use louse powder and its always a 2 person job, normally with the other person covered in the de lousing stuff instead of the hen

[The Dogmother]

Okey doke, here you go...

 

Pick them up when they crouch or come to you for treats. Make sure that you have both hands over their wings to stop flapping. As you bring the chook up to your body, slip one hand undermeath them and use your fingers to hold the tops of their legs firmly. This will stop them scrabbling and scratching you.

 

Here you go, here's my friend Kevin holding a hen correctly ...

 

 

Once they feel secure they'll stop scrabbling.

 

May I suggest that you might want to sign up for one of the Omlet hen keeping courses? You'll be shown how to hold a chicken then.

[quickcluck]

Sorry Claret but I can't see the pic

[The Dogmother]

Sorry Claret but I can't see the pic

 

That's odd - I can, try this link and scrolll down to 'Handling'

 

Is that any better?

[Margalot]

I will have a go today when I get home, and I will let you know! that photos makes it look so easy

I'm sure I will have fun!!

[The Dogmother]

Just stay calm and hold the wings down!

 

Shame you're not near me, or I'd come over to supervise. They're unpredictable things - some chooks will happily sit, purring in laps while others scrabble until they are up, perching on your shoulder like a vulture

[Margalot]

Oh they climb all over me when I have got food! and they let me have a stroke and small cuddle, just when no food on show I find it difficult to do health checks etc.

 

I replied to a post about bathing them the other day......I would love to bathe Bon bon but am sure it will end in disaster!

[quickcluck]

thanks, got it

[The Dogmother]

If they are difficult to grab, then try taking them out of the eglu/cube when they've gone to bed and are roosting; they are far more biddable then and easier to handle.

 

A few enforced cuddling sessions with a corn reward at the end will help them get over their aversion, and you'll find it easier when they aren't scrabbling around.

[Margalot]

Well it was pouring down here all evening, so no chance to go and hold, will try again if the weather is better tonight, although according to the news don't think so!

[Olly]

It took ages for me to feel confident picking mine up - I was scared of them flapping (I still am, if I'm honest!) Get a really firm grip - I know now that I was just being too tentative and scared of hurting them. They're more sturdy than they look! If you don't hold them firmly, then they will get a wing free and flap about and that's no fun for either of you.

 

Claret's described it exactly above, and it comes quite naturally now, the only difficulty is getting close enough to make them crouch rather than run away - a few treats on the ground usually help.

 

Keep trying, and it will get easier, I see from your signature that you haven't had your hens for long - give it a few weeks and you'll wonder what you were bothered about.

[Valkyrie]

My orpies are a bit of a handful - still rather wary when near us, although I have caught Sioux as she really crouched so well (while I was telling her off for trying to scoff a plant underneath it's protective cover) and I swooped her up before she knew what happened. Don't miss that opportunity! She did give me the evil eye a bit, but sat her on my lap - lasted for about 2 minutes - let them know that they are free to go when they want and not when you want (saves an awful lot of scratches too - not to mention punched noses by powerful wings). When I sit down I will hold them at first, stroking and then drop my hands away - they stay longer if you have some sultanas in one hand! Usually I check on them at night just after they've gone to roost - still light enough to check over the vitals - bums, legs and feet, and under the wings for nasties that may lurk. You need to get into the habit, because I found Sioux had an attack of leg mites and the surface of her legs were no longer smooth and felt lumpy and catchy on your fingers (hard to spot under her bountiful feather drawers). So lots of treatment and they are much better now, although I am keeping up the treatment just to make sure and when she moults it should be back to normal. Apache got them too, but not as bad and Cheyenne has never had them. That was a tough lesson learned - don't be too frightened to pick and check because their welfare comes first.

Cheyenne is very hard to grab as she always skidaddles away, but while she is broody I have given her a good manhandling session - putty in my hands - and a good dousing of diatom while she isn't out bathing. You just need to have a confidence boost. Good luck and stick at it.