katieD Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 hi all was thinking about when i try freeranging my girls together for the 1st time. the problem i can see is that the new ones arent used to being handled and are quite skittish (especially the amrock) . im worried that if i let them out in my garden i wont be able to catch them, as my garden is quite big with lots of hiding places!. also whats the youngish age i can clip their wings. thanks all x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I would train them to come for treats - mealworms in a distinctive jar, for example or corn in a colourful dish. When you're confident they'll come running to get the treats, you might feel able to let them out knowing they'll come back . I haven't clipped my new girls' wings yet (they're about 18 weeks) but the farmer did my old girls for me at 16 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieD Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 off to buy another tub of mealworms in the morning! my they are expensive hens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 They are expensive from garden centres and the like but if you have a look on Ebay you might find it cheaper. You do have to buy loads but they last ages . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Wilkinsons sell Meal Worms at a reasonable price I shake a tupperware pot with corn in, they come running like lunatics when they hear that sound now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I clipped my new chickens wings before I let them out but they just let me pick them up when it's time to go back in anyway. I have honestly never met such friendly chickens in my life. Think it's because they have been handled by a lovely family since the day they hatched so are more than happy to have cuddles, be carried etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieD Posted September 4, 2009 Author Share Posted September 4, 2009 i think a lot of it os to do with breeding- the gingers are so nosy and full on! they have been from day one- even though they had never been handled. starting to notice that the cochin is getting more tame- coming over if i sit quitely, and letting me stroke her through the run. the others are not interested at all. sure they will be when i have a tub of mealworms! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 I think once you find they start crouching (hens only, unless you have a homosexual cockeral ) then you will find it easier to pick them up, due to them sitting still for you. BTW, they crouch because they think that your are a cockeral xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
