Eglu Go With 2m Run For Sale

[minnie321]

I have two chickens which are kept in an eglu and everyday they are let out to roam my garden for a few hours but upon opening the cage door they run at me and peck me, which has caused a few cuts and bruises. Admittedly, i've also hand fed them on previous occasions but its got to the point where I don't want to let them out... Has anyone got any suggestions how I stop them doing this because I want to keep them as free roaming as possible. One is a gingernut ranger the other a miss pepperpot.

[Laura & CTB]

Hi and welcome

 

Sounds like your chooks now associate you with food. I suggest you get hold of a stainless steel bowl that not only looks bright and shiny but makes rattly noises when you put corn etc in it. Use this to get your chooks attention when you open the door and hopefully they will get to learn that the bowl has treats in and is much nicer to peck at than you !

 

Good luck.

[kerryegg]

Hi. I was just about to submit the same problem. My original 2 Omlet hens were fine but after my Pepper died I bought 3 new marans from a local supplier. They have settled in well, will allow themselves to be picked up but regard my feet and legs as food. I wear jeans and wellies usually. Yesterday went in the WIR in crocs and got a pecked foot. It bled.

The orinal girl is fine and top hen. I will try a treats bowl as apart from shouting bad hen I don't know what else to do.

They also peck hands if they get a chance. I don't mind being the source of food but I don't want to be their dinner.

[minnie321]

Hi Laura,

 

That sounds like really good advice. I'll definitely try that a.s.a.p.

 

Thank you.

 

Vanessa

[Laura & CTB]

apart from shouting bad hen I don't know what else to do.

 

No that never works here either

[Redwing]

A water pistol works

 

nail varnish and shiny jewellery will invite a chicken to peck - they like shiny stuff

[Guest]

Do you know Jean my Gingernut Ranger has an unhealthy penchant for feet and shoes!

 

When she was first let out of the run she made a beeline for my feet and I stood there totally bemused by the whole situation whilst she continued to peck at my über cool crocs... It's now a bit of a standing/running joke to see how quickly I can run from from her before she makes her attack!

 

I am not sure it's associated with treats to be honest as Pam and Jean are still quite young and have not been spoilt as much as the other three!!

 

I wonder what Barbara's advice would be on this picky situation?

[Egluntyne]

I'd wear wellies and trousers so that any pecks don't hurt. I'd also suggest a blast with a water pistol if they do it again. It should shock them out of it.

[chickyhazel]

I once made the mistake of going out in flip-flops with my toenails painted red... not a good idea! Ours generally won't peck our legs but they will peck fingers, shoes and toes. A treat bowl makes an excellent deterrer, although we use a plate instead!

[Lavenders_Blue]

3 of my 4 girls also have a foot fetish

 

They love my joules chicken wellies and will peck at the chicken pictures for as long as they are allowed to (the longest time I recorded was around 20 mins by which time I was thoroughly fed up and went in!)

 

They are also fascinated by the holes in crocs and will peck at them for ages too. Shoe laces are another favourite and they have also recently discovered toes when I went out in my flip flops for the first (and last) time last week

[cluckbok]

My hens had never pecked me until a few months back when I went out there in flip flops as I always had done, and Matilda pecked at my toes!! I made a very quick retreat back inside and now wear closed in shoes when they are loose They do love shiny things and painted toes!