Plum Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 Lucky you lovely hens. Don't worry about them being unhappy being picked up just give them time to trust you. My Welbar is really flighty and although calms down once held will be difficult to catch. I just spend time sitting on the ground talking to her and feeding her by hand. Now she trusts me enough to stroke her while she is feeding and she walks on me but it has taken ages. I respect it when she wants to keep her distance but know I can handle her without her panicking now. I wouldn't try and handle yours if they are flapping it may just make them nervous try when they are in the coop in the evening and settled and take it slowly. Sorry LimeChicken nothing about Silkies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 I have tried everyones advice and picked both the hens up but they just absolutly hated it I tried all day and they were flapping and stuff so I will try but I dont feel comfortable I'm not a chicken cuddler either. I do pick them up, but don't have them sitting on my knee or perching on my shoulder and this type of thing. Don't feel that you have to pick them up if you don't want to, but it is handy to be able to catch one and give it a health check, or a dusting with red mite powder every now and then. One tip is to lift them out at night when they are drowsy. They might murmur a bit, but will be far more accepting of the situation, and it would give you a chance to get used to handling them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 26, 2010 Share Posted April 26, 2010 I have tried everyones advice and picked both the hens up but they just absolutly hated it I tried all day and they were flapping and stuff so I will try but I dont feel comfortable I'm not a chicken cuddler either. I do pick them up, but don't have them sitting on my knee or perching on my shoulder and this type of thing. Don't feel that you have to pick them up if you don't want to, but it is handy to be able to catch one and give it a health check, or a dusting with red mite powder every now and then. One tip is to lift them out at night when they are drowsy. They might murmur a bit, but will be far more accepting of the situation, and it would give you a chance to get used to handling them. Little bob lets me pick her up but betty only lets me when she is either broody or tired Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
