Unsecure chicken perches

[Smileygem]

Hi,

I'm a first time chicken owner and we got two Gingernut Rangers and an Eglu a week ago. We are already getting eggs from both hens and are very pleased with our chickens. We havn't held them yet or let them out in the garden which we plan to do later on today when we have fixed the fence panel.

However I'm a bit nervous about holding them and I'm having trouble getting in to change their water and give them more food. When they hear us coming they come and stand by the door to the run which is lovely but then they won't move and its difficult to undo the fastening on the run and to get in to do the food and water, Im a bit nervous of being pecked although they have pecked me once and it didn't hurt. I know it sounds silly but how do you get them to move out of the way without being pecked? Or do I need to accept that Im going to get pecked and just hope it doesnt hurt?

 

Thanks

Smileygem

[Plum]

Why not wear gloves and just push them gently away until you feel confident

[CluckyBucks]

Hello there and welcome to the forum

 

Just gently push them aside, and even if you do get pecked you will know not to fear it the next time it happens as it doesnt hurt alot

 

Or... you could throw a few mealworms to the opposite side of the run to distract them whilst you change their water/top up food ect

 

xx xx

[52fish]

Alternatively, change the water and food before you let them out on a morning and after they've gone to bed.

 

Ours come running to whoever appears in the hope of food. A gentle push helps. Alternatively, sprinkle a small amount of corn through the run at the other end to where you need to get in. This will buy you about 30 seconds to nip round and open up

[CharLeila]

Hi, I was the same when I first got my girls but I think it's partly about confidence. Not saying that your not confident but it helps a lot. The only time my girls peck me now is if I've got my wedding ring on and they try to eat it. To get them out of the way, a gentle nudge is fine.

 

Let us know how you get on!

[Egluntyne]

Scatter something tasty in their run at the Eglu end and change things quickly if they fall for it. Failing that, it is gloves or a midnight raid ... although they may come out if you haven't closed the Eglu door.