Emz24 Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 How did you get your chickies comfortable with you picking them up, ours just scatter to one side. However haven't had them long so how long until yours were happy for you to pick them up??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 My tip would be to be confident and not too afraid to hold them reasonably tightly. Keep the wing against their body to stop flapping and let them down at ground height rather than let them 'flap away'. They are all feather and so you can hold them tighter than you maybe think you can. It's when a wing gets free that they flap and panic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 I kind of approached it gently. First of all I got them to eat corn from my hand. Then I started just stroking their backs while they were eating - at first they didn't seem to like it but pretty soon they associated it with food. Then I could pick them all up. Now they are crouching it is much easier. Gwennie actually likes a little cuddle. Important to keep control of the wings - I hold them firmly around the wing and body to pick up and then cradle the body and one wing in one hand and hold the other wing against my body with the poo end pointing clear of my clothes. Seems to work, and I've only had one unscheduled escape. I try and pick them up most days so they get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 I had trouble with a couple of mine. The easiest way is to wait until they have gone to bed, after about half an hour, open the egg port door and take one out for a cuddle. When they go to bed, they are very dopey and sleepy and much more docile and easier to handle. After doing this for about a week, they get used to you. Make sure you have a chair nearby to sit on and enjoy your cuddle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 It's important that they feel secure. I put my left hand on their back quite firmly and the other under their chest upto their legs. The hand on the back holds their wings firmly at their sides. They can't flap as they are completely supported top and bottom. You can then lift in one smooth movement, up under your arm goes the hen with her bottom sticking out the back....... Keep one hand firmly supporting her chest.......You do of course have to have their confidence before you can attempt it..... so lots of treats and stroking for a few weeks. They don't all like to be cuddled, but the ones that do are a complete joy. Take your time,there is no rush. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
House MD 221B Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 to start with you could try luring them to you with grapes followed by a snatch and grab attempt, and then hold them for a good few minutes perhaps giving a treat while they're in your arms, and when you put them down give them another treat, and eventually they should associate the positive reinforcement of treats with cuddles. But they will get used to you over time, Poach (9 Months)runs to us from across the garden when she hears the door handle go, but the new 3 (approx 19 weeks) are still wary of us, although Angua the bantam isnt quick enough to get away from us and accepts it now And if they wont eat from your hand, drop it in a corner, and when they go in to get the treat, you have them cornered. They'll get used to it eventually, and also if they get fidgety in your arms, you could try holding them in different ways, some of ours like to be held with one side against our bodies and the right hand holding the other side, so we can stroke them with the elft, and a couple of others like it when one hand scoops under their bellies and supports them with their little feet between the fingers, and the right hand on top over the wings to stop them flapping and hurting themselves or you. Little Angua and Pecan like to wrap their Feet over our fingers so they feel like they're pearching on us as well as being help. I know thats more about holding than picking up, but if they're happy being help, then they wont mind being picked up. I hope this is of some help, and there are more experienced and wise members on the forums than Sal and I, but Poach LOVES to be picked up and comes over to us, and the other 3 will eventually, Angua is getting there, and Miss Pennyapple isnt too much trouble to catch, but Pecan is FAST and VERY persistent, but ultimately, be confident, and persevere, if you set out to get them, GET THEM, no matter how much they try and evade, they need to learn that it's GOING TO HAPPEN, that if you're going to pick them up, no matter how much they run, you WILL get them, they WILL be held, and NOTHING bad will happen, and GOOD treats come from it. and as they mature and get used to it, they WILL come to you we use Green and Red Grapes (seedless) and sweetcorn if that helps too. We wish you all the best, eventually when you approach them they should just squat down and it will be a breeze, even Poach used to scatter when Sal first got her, but I'd say around the 3 month mark she chilled out, and now she follows me everywhere, no matter what Im doing in the garden she's under my feet, there's nothing better. Be patient and persistent and you'll get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emz24 Posted November 28, 2009 Author Share Posted November 28, 2009 These are really helpful tips guys and thanks for the support! Tilly is really friendly and REALLY curious so not to worried about picking her up, however Maggie is more of a follower so I think she will take more time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emz24 Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 Maggie is beginning to get a lot more friendlier, she is now eating out of my hand as before she always stayed well away! They are both so eager to get out every time i open the gate of their run to feed them some raisins, sometimes I have to stand in the way so that they won't get out!! guess this is a good sign!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Maggie is beginning to get a lot more friendlier, she is now eating out of my hand as before she always stayed well away! They are both so eager to get out every time i open the gate of their run to feed them some raisins, sometimes I have to stand in the way so that they won't get out!!guess this is a good sign!! Sure is! You are doing so well with them, I'm really glad for you. You will get more confident with each step forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 With my lot - flying rugby tackle and a half nelson! Much easier now they squat (apart from Dipsy Tipsy - who's completely bonkers). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
