Cranfield Kate Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 I love my chooks and always want to pick them up and give them a cuddle but they're really not wildly enthusiastic. they'll stand still on my lap for a bit but they'll eyeball me and do some unimpressed bok boking. sigh. anyone got any tips for getting the chooks to put up with my cuddling them occasionally? I had a similar problem with my mice - sooooooooooo cute but just too tiny to hug. thank god for the cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Have you considered a dog? My lot dont get cuddles I am not a snuggly mummy but I do have a young chick at the moment that loves a cuddle so am makiing an exception for him I've no real tips I'm afraid sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Keep some raisins in your pocket and only give them one occasionally. They'll be all over you I found I picked them up against their will and stroked them on my lap until they relaxed and only put them down when calm, then they were ok. If you put them down in a flap they remember it as stressful. Mind you they were omlet chickens who are a bit daft. It's taken a while with Motmot, she's a lot more nervous and never crouches but by keeping hand feeding her, then holding her on my lap, then having my hand in a fist she jumps up and lets me stroke her while she eats. It's going to take a while yet until she is completely relaxed around me. Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 If you can, wait until they have gone to bed and settled down, then, take one out and cuddle her all you want. She will be all sleepy and drowsy and really not bothered about been cuddled. Do this as often as you can and soon you will be able to cuddle them during the day too. It worked a treat with my two light sussex who really didnt want to be picked up at all when i first got them and now, they are so jealous if im cuddling another chook they practically push the other one off my knee, snuggle in and have a doze Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beulah59 Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 I must try that - my Light Sussex are just the same!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 It is all about conditioning. If they connect cuddles from you with something in their tummy, they will soon learn to appreciate you. It works with OHs too! My Gingernut really loves cuddles if she is poorly..so I am pleased when she gives me a 'get lost' expression...it means she is well. My Speckled Sussex, despite her foul temper, really quite enjoys her cuddles and even a kiss on the nose. The Light Sussex...well there's no time for that sort of thing...snails to crack open, dirty puddles to find.....busy busy busy.... I do like stroking them at night though although oddly, the Light Sussex always gives my OH a quick peck. It's something he laughs about now..it is almost like affection! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Kate Posted March 2, 2010 Author Share Posted March 2, 2010 lovely tips thank you everyon! will be putting them into practice today. they WILL accept my love, dammit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
