JOHNKNOTT Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I have had my two gingernut rangers just over three weeks now. Have been handling them but now one seems to have taken to not being picked up and runs around garden at break neck speed to avoid capture! Is this normal? I Thought they were supposed to be handle friendly?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Chickens are very individual characters, I don't think a breed can always be called easy to handle, I have a couple that give me the run around too When they are sleepy in the evening and have gone in to roost get them out of the coop and stroke them, they will let you do this no problems, the more you handle them the easier it will be longer term for them and they will get used to it after a while If you ever want to get a chicken in for treatment its always a good idea to get them when they are sleepy! When they are of laying age in theory they will crouch as you approach so are easier to get - I never say 'always crouch' anymore as there are always a few that don't, little tykes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Welcome to the Forum Have they started laying yet? The tend to be more reluctant to being picked up before they start laying. However, once they start crouching it becomes so much easier. Have you trained them with treats yet, I find that once they have built up the trust to eat out of your hand, they tend to trust you to pick them up. I have a Warren (same as a Gingernut Ranger), and she loves being picked up and cuddled. In fact she loves nothing more than sitting on my shoulder whilst I am walking around Give them time, and they will be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOHNKNOTT Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 Space Chick/ Redwing Thanks for the advice.Yes they have started laying.....in fact first egg came within 2 hours of being delivered! They do crouch(understand this is something to do with thinking a cockerell is approaching??) but as I say one has stopped doing so and runs away! Will try the advice of picking them up when they are sleepy and about to roost. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BocBoc Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Welcome! Neither of our Gingernuts or our Pepperpot liked being picked up - in fact over the last couple of weeks Lmao even hissed at us when we picked her up!! With our new flock, we are going to handle them as much as possible so they get used to us and being picked up. Lots of corn at hand and patience required!! Good luck with yours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenopolis Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Our 2 girls Flo and Glo are a bit llike that. Flo doesn't mind being picked up, although she makes a fuss when you do. Glo, on the other hand could give Usain Bolt a run for his money when you try and pick her up. I know it probably isn't right, but we do the 2 handed approach - one of us offers dried mealworms and then other goes in for the lift up! Again lots of chicken noises and you put her down she fluffs out her feathers. Persistence is the key we have found - don't give up. I don't think we have got it right yet, but we keep trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Why not take her out via the egg port at night and hold her. She will be drowsy and manageable and it is a useful way of getting them accustomed to being handled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnpatel Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Hiya, We have the same thing with our ginger-nut ranger. Nigella has no problems with being handled but Delia she squeals and runs off super fast. We have found enticing her with food and then picking her up while she is not paying attention does the trick. Though she seems petrified the whole time. she is getting slightly better, i once tried opening the egg hatch once they had gone to bed and stoked her but she freaked out and started flapping around the eglu. Good luck, we just put it down to being her own nervous personality! Michelle Nigella Delia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
