Omlet cube and run

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Hello i am new to the forum, and my first question was how do i handle my girls. They are nearly a year old, but whenever i try to grab them they seem to run off or get in a huge flap. Cheeky (Faverolle) and Mumble (Orpington) happily eat out of my hands, but wont let me touch them. Uggs (Pekin bantam) wont go near me, and can be quite nervous especially when separated from the other chickens. So when should I pick them up? morning or just before roost. Where? in the eglu or while in the garden? And how should i handle them? and how do i grab them?

 

Any advice is welcome

Thanks!!!

[Space Chick]

Just before they sleep in the Eglu will help them build theirs and your confidence.

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Thanks a lot for v advice I will go out later and stroke them to start off.any more advice is welcome. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

[lindafw]

if I do anything with my girls I do it when they have gone to bed...giving medicine works better at this time too

[hammy72]

Have only had mine a couple of weeks but find I can stroke them if I am giving them corn in one hand. If they move away from my hand I don't keep trying. I find that sitting in their netted off area also helps them stay calm around me and I also move slowly. I did manage to pick Tikka up yesterday by stroking her with both hands and then keeping her wings in. She then let me pick her up and made some lovely sounds (sounded contented not panic). I then put her back in her run which is the safe place she goes to. I think you have to take it slowly from the advice I got from here and lots of treats!!

[Sam]

I'd take them out after they've gone into the eglu when they are all sleepy. To hold them, I put the palm of my hand underneath them, and put my 3 middle fingers through their legs, with my little finger and thumb on the outerside of their legs (hope that makes sense!)

 

 

Have a look here for some more advice

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Thanks for all your useful advice, went out this morning and gave them some sweetcorn and i gave it a go at stroking them. But they ran awayhttp, so when i try to pick them up, should i wear a glove in case they peck?

Thanks for the advice

will go out tonight to give it a go, Thanks!!!!!

Any more advice is welcome!!!!!!

[Christian]

Are they laying yet?

 

When they do start laying, they often crouch down when you approach them (they think of you as the cockerel)! Once crouched down, they are much easier to pick up!

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Yes they have started laying, so i will give that a go later!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!

But should i wear the gloves?

[lindafw]

no need for gloves with my girls and boys

[hammy72]

I don't wear gloves, mine peck corn from my hand but it doesn't hurt.

[Valkyrie]

I found it was a bit "ouch" at first, but really they don't mean to hurt - they just get in a gobbling frenzy (well that's orpies for you) - and I think you just get used to it - doesn't bother me at all now.

[Mum]

Yes they have started laying, so i will give that a go later!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!

But should i wear the gloves?

No need for gloves (if they want to hurt you, they will "jump/flip up" at you with their feet first attach approach; it's their feet they are more likely to attack with rather than a beak nip ).

 

However, do remember that you will need to wash your hands after handling them (but, that is merely good husbandry and I'm sure you know that already )

 

I hold mine as Sam has described - this means their chest rests against my forearm and I can give their neck a scratch/back a stroke. It also means, despite their legs dangling beneath your fingers, they still feel "secure"; it doesn't mean they won't wiggle and try to flap their way out of your comfy hold though. If that happens, I just lay my spare hand across their back (so they can't flap their wings) and gently replace them to a comfy spot on the ground/bedding

[Plum]

I find it works to corner them and pick up even if they don't want to be picked up. If you hold them until they are calm and you are breathing gently and feel relaxed give them a treat then put them down, then next time they are not so flappy and gradually gain confidence.

[hammy72]

I agree Plum - I tend to be able to pick them up when they are in a corner and because of putting my hands over their wings they don't tend to flap. Once they are in "cuddle position" they seem to relax and make contented noises (at least I think they are contented!). The light sussex I don't hold for as long as she is still a bit nervous but my goldline like a cuddle every day now.

[mumblecheekyuggs]

Tried to stroke them in the eglu at night but they flapped and ran out of The eglu!!!

So should I just try to grab them tomorrow?

thanks for advice!!!!!

[mumblecheekyuggs]

I tried to stroke them when they were in the eglu but they flapped and ran out!!!!

So should I just try to grab them tomorrow at night.

Thanks for advice!!!!!

[emmastar]

Mine did not like being picked up at all a few weeks ago BUT food has worked a treat , I get a mat and sit on the floor so they can come up to me and see whats going on ( or what im eating and there not ) split a grape in half and give it to then further away , within a few min i had them jumping on my knee to get more grapes , over the last few weeks i have done this and am now a climing frame when i sit down and all my pockets are looked into , even the kids get to pick them up ,

I dont use gloves and i do think my marans can give quite a nip to the skin but she is a super grumpy hen .