Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[rachael_farnsworth]

So I've got a Sussex Star (Athene) and a Speckledy (Artemis), and I also have a question:

 

Artemis quite enjoys a cuddle but Athene *hates* being picked up and carried or cuddled or stroked. I'm holding her properly (and she does crouch first) but it is a surefire way to royally tick her off. Which is not great when I have to fish her out of the hedge because she's got her explorer head on... she's a big flappy flapper and then she will whinge for a good five minutes ('oh you are so horrible! You have manhandled me! You are RUDE! I am vulnerable and sad and I am going to tell the neighbours on you! My life is terrible! I am an abused chicken! ...ooh look, a dandelion leaf. I still hate you. Behold, I shall do a fury poo. YOU DESERVE IT. Sob.' etc)

 

Any ideas on how I get my chicken to love me?! I'm not terribly bothered about handling them and they don't need to be super-tame since we have no small Farnsworths, but I feel bad for making her so cross each time I have to leave the house and therefore they need to go in the run... maybe it's just time that's needed but it would be nice to make her feel a little less skittish if I can.

[Redwing]

Some animals and birds are like that, in our house we call it a 'Dear Rolph' moment (as if writing to Rolph Harris to advise of their mistreatment)

 

The best time to get a hen used to being handled is to get them out of the coop after dark when they are sleepy and docile, if you do this for a few nights on the trot they relax and cuddle in, it should make them easier to handle during the day once they get used to it

 

A bird will often flap if they feel unsafe or unstable, when you pick up the hen quickly slip a hand under her and clamp her legs with your fingers, palm against her tummy, her legs should be between your first and last fingers. rest her chest against your wrist and forearm and then hold your arm close to you so that her inside wing is pinned use your thumb to hold the other wing down, you can then use your free hand to open coops etc..

[Isabel]

Tasha ... brilliant directions on how to hold a chicken properly (my Orp struggles like crazy when I pick her up, wings working free from my clasp etc) but one quick question ... is her head tucked under your arm with her bottom facing out, or is her head looking out and her bum tucked under your elbow? Or, do I need to re-re-read your post?!

 

Thanks

 

Isabel

[Redwing]

Her head should be facing the crook of your elbow, you can tuck it under your arm but it shouldnt be necessary

[Isabel]

Thanks Tasha ... shall give it a go tonight when they eventually go to bed