Elderly cat breathing difficulties when purring

[henpen]

Our hens are 19 weeks old now and have settled in well. They follow us round in the hope of treats - Lottie and Edna are friendlier than the other two - and they go mad for porridge.

 

We tried to pick them up today as I wanted to clip their wings and put some diatom powder on them. That was an experience!?! (I've got scratches on my arm!) I managed to get hold of Lottie and Edna but gave up on June and Eric as I didn't want to stress them out too much.

 

So my question is - what can I do to get them used to being picked up? Am I expecting too much yet - does it take longer for them to get used to me?

 

Also, how often do I need to put diatom powder on them?

[Olly]

they'll get easier to pick up as they get older, and particularly when they start laying, as then they will crouch down when you approach them. Well, most of them will - I have two that didn't read that bit of the rule book!

 

To get them used to being handled, wait till they've gone to bed and then open the eggport and take them out one at a time and stroke them, it gets them used to being held.

 

The only other tip I've got is to be firm - if you're going to pick a chicken up, get a good firm grip and don't be too delicate. They're tougher than they look, and if you don't hold their wings firmly they will start to flap and both of you will panic!

[moochoo]

You will find they get easier to pick up once they start to lay. In the mean time get them used to being handled by taking them out of the house at night for a cuddle.

They'll soon get used to being picked up and held. Some chickens are more tolerant of handling than others.

[moochoo]

oops cross posted....at least we agreed

[Olly]

Great minds, moochoo!

[cluckbok]

Hi ya,

 

They will get used to you. They will learn that you = treats and food! To pick up a hen you put a hand each side of each wing and pick them up then draw them in close to you so that one of their wings is close to your body and the other wing you hold still with your hand, the other hand you open your fingers and slot their legs in between your fingers (one leg in between two of your fingers and the other in between the other two fingers ).

 

If they figit you can then gently grip their legs and they learn to keep still. If they get really really figity you just let them go and pick them up later.

 

They will get used to you, it does take a little bit of time.

 

Unfortunatley they do grow wise to the fact that you want to pick them up!

[chick wiggle]

I was in exactly the position as you and as moochoo and olly have said, I was told the same thing. To wait till they had settled for the night then take them out for a cuddle. I did that and it was lovely to be able to hold them and they quickly became much easier to catch and pick up during the day too. Now I cuddle them all the time. Try it, it works

[chelsea]

Sandie is right, if you want to cuddle and get used to handling without wriggling you could try at roosting time when it gets dimpsy. Hens cannot see very well at all in the dark so will be very docile and easily handled at night.

 

They will get better though as they get older.

[henpen]

Great advice - thanks!

 

I've tried opening the cube roof a couple of times at night so I can stoke them, but at the moment they're not going to bed until 9pm and they're not settled until 10pm, by which time I'm thinking of going to bed myself!! Also, when I have opened the cube at 10pm, they are all awake and I'm worried I'll frighten them if I reach in to pick them up. Oh well, I guess I'll have to perservere!!