Leicester_H Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 (edited) Hi Any hints on getting chickens used to being handled. I picked up Chikki yesterday - but didn't constrain her wings properly - she felt unsure, wriggled and I got a nasty claw scratch (not her fault) I will try again soon, and try to be firm confident and gentle as I've heard is is good to get them used to being handled when young. Boo is not laying yet and so a bit more tricky to 'catch' Any hints/tips would be appreciated. Thanks as always, H Edited April 20, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 if you let your chooks free range then sit on a chair (with an old towel on your lap. Have a hand full of corn and just put a few grains around your feet. After they have finished their appetizer they'll be looking around for more. this is where you show them that you have more in your hand. Before long the temptation will be too great and they'll be up on your lap. They will be totally engrossed in the food and you should be able to lightly stroke them. They like being talked to as well. Mine are so tame now that they willingly climb onto my hand and we go for a walk round the garden. Plod absolutely loves it, she jumps up onto my shoulder so she can look over the fence Word of warning though don't go overboard with the corn or for that matter any treats cos it really ain't good for them. I used a palm full of corn between 3 each evening as their daily treat. If i hold my hand clenched without anything in it nugget jumps up thinking that i've got food. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Wow, that is a great idea to 'train' them to jump on your lap. I might try this technique. I have found it difficult to handle mine, and I've come to the conclusion that they are just not cuddly chickens! it does get easier as they start laying, as they 'flatten' when you approach them, and I've also learned that a firm grip is best. I was too nervous the first time, and let them flap around. I've also learned to remove any jewellery or make sure I've got gloves on, as they do peck at anything shiny - it's a bit disconcerting although it doesn't hurt. Persevere, Hazel, and both you and the chickens will get used to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Olly, that is a really good point, they will peck at anything that they think they can eat. I had a small scab on my arm before i knew what was happening Plod had pecked it off - niceeeee, naughty Plod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabbagepatch Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 I think it depends on what you want, if you would like chooks that come to you, sit on your arm etc. then you need to spend more time "taming them". If you want to feel confident picking them up, handling them, etc, then you just need to be confident. Once they are laying, they crouch as you approach them, I put hands around their wings very firmly, then tuck one hand underneath so they feel supported. Usually they settle down and enjoy the attention! I got my first three girls 1st September and although I had wanted chickens for as long as I can remember, I was very nervous about getting it all wrong if I handled them. Now it feels as though I've had them for ever. Sorry, waffled quite a bit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Silkie Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 i found that if you go in confidently and handle them firmly (dont sqeeze them though) that they dont struggle and seem to like the attention Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 A confident air and firm but gentle handling is best. I never thought I'd get the hang of it, but it comes. The more time you spend with them, the easier it gets. I was planting up a couple of containers this afternoon when something walked up to me, it was Peckadilly, our one girl escape committee. I picked her up, walked the lenght of the garden with her tucked under my arm and put her back with the others and carried on. 5 mins later she was back! Repeat performance again later. She was hopping onto the top of the Eglu and doing a sort of flappy jump which gave her enough lift to clear the omlet fence. This time, I got her into a half nelson and clipped one of her wings. In a rather a rambling way I'm trying to say that 10 months ago I never imagined that I would ever be confident enough to do such a thing. It comes over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 i agree that if you are handling them to administer a/b's etc then they need to know who is boss and that "resistance is futile" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 this is where you show them that you have more in your hand. How many of you feed from the HAND. I hold a small bowl and they eat from that. They are VERY enthusiastic. Will I have a hand left if I put corn in my hand ????????? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 this is where you show them that you have more in your hand. How many of you feed from the HAND. I hold a small bowl and they eat from that. They are VERY enthusiastic. Will I have a hand left if I put corn in my hand ????????? H they can be quite enthusiastic so use a bowl if you like. its just you have more control with your hand. i have had all 3 feeding from my hand and sometimes they can give quite a nip but it doesn't draw blood. you won't need the corn after the first few times they jump up on the off chance. i always give them some though but not while they're on my lap - its too manic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I love feeding my two by hand but they do seem to have a bit of a "grab and twist" motion - ouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I love feeding my two by hand but they do seem to have a bit of a "grab and twist" motion - ouch yes i know that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debratugwell Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I'm getting the hang of it now also. Boots is relatively easy to catch as she seems more friendly/inquisitive that the others, Dora is hard but Swiper is an absolute nightmare. Only managed to get her once so far and that was because she had her head down eating and I sneaked up on her from behind. She gave an almighty sqwark and wasn't overly impressed but I went and sat down with her and kept talking to her. The way I started was opening the egg port after they'd gone to bed at night and just putting my hand in and stroking them and talking softly. Fortunately no-one pecked me and I think this builds up your confidence also. As everyone said, it just comes with time. Not sure I'd try the wing clipping on my own however but as yet haven't needed to although they've been doing some impressive flaps across the garden!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 How many of you feed from the HAND. I don't!! their enthusiasm is too much for me....it hurts like hell!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 I don't!! their enthusiasm is too much for me....it hurts like hell!! Some I'm not the only one then - phew ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I thought I'd try and temp a chicken onto my knee when squatting. Trinny just tried to stretch for the food, then lost interest. Abbie pecked at my leg randomly (bit stupid sometimes). I gave up, picked up timid little Megan and fed her from my hand (she sometimes pecks at my hand instead of corn but a gentle soul) and she turned and proceeded to attack my hand like a pscho Maybe try again with a chair and a LOT more time. Maybe Trinny the clever chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted May 2, 2007 Author Share Posted May 2, 2007 OK I can pick up both Chikki and Boo. One hand on each side to constrain wings, bring towards body, use body to contrain one wing, use released hand to stroke head/neck - talk to them - they do seem to like the attention, but .... their feet are free and they still wriggle and scratch by body or T-shirt with their SHARP claws. When I put them down, they don't run away, so they're not scared. When sitting down, drinking a cup of tea and eating a hob"Ooops, word censored!" biscuit, Boo did jump onto my lap and DEMANDED some of the biscuit - so they're definitely NOT scared of me !!!! Do I just keep picking them up each day to get them used to it ? or are there any other tips ?? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 Hazel, re the legs: if you pick up the chickens as you said both hands over wings then bring into your body and keep left hand over wings, you can slide your right hand underneath the chook and slide the legs between your fingers so they are pinioned. I've tried this with mine and once held securely (takes a bit of practice) they will just sit still on your right hand. I tuck the head under my right arm if I need to check the vent or feathers (and the poop end is facing away from you!). Hope this helps, have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 ! it does get easier as they start laying, as they 'flatten' when you approach them, ! Why do they flatten when you approach them if they are laying please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 ! it does get easier as they start laying, as they 'flatten' when you approach them, ! Why do they flatten when you approach them if they are laying please? Ermmm, trying to put this a bit delicately, they're getting into submissive posture sensing that you are in charge.......... much as they would for a cockerel Little hussy's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted May 3, 2007 Author Share Posted May 3, 2007 Hazel, re the legs: if you pick up the chickens as you said both hands over wings then bring into your body and keep left hand over wings, you can slide your right hand underneath the chook and slide the legs between your fingers so they are pinioned. Are you holding the chicken against the left or right side of your body ? I bring chicken against the RIGHT side of MY body, which releases my LEFT hand. Are you saying to do this and then slide RIGHT hand underneath to constrain legs ? Its a long weekend this weekend, so I should be able to practice. They won't like it !! - will need lots of sweet corn as payment !! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Ahhh see what you mean... ah hummm feel a bit stupid now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Hazel if they are tucked under your right arm, then the left hand goes under their tummy, either way it's under at the head end and not the bum end! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabbagepatch Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Ok, this is how I, an amateur does it. Aproach crouching hussy from behind Put hands firmly around wings and scoop up Tuck under an arm depending on whether you are left or right handed Slide the spare hand underneath between the legs to support. Wander around the garden showing her the sights whilst making silly chooky noises. The important thing is to make them feel secure. The more you carry out this strange behaviour (most of my friends have decided I'm a sandwich short of a picnic), the more your girls will become accustomd to it. A few sneaky sultanas in your pocket helps as well! Good luck, although you really aren't going to need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 Hi Thanks for all the advice. I think my problem was that I was using my spare hand (released by holding one side of chicken and hence that wing against my body) to stroke the chicken rather than constraining the legs. I really need a 3rd hand !!! 'silly chooky noises' are obligatory though !! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
