petunia Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Okay, I've had my chickens for 2.5 weeks and I love them! They live in their and run (extension being picked up next week to give them a bit more space) but as I'm terrified about letting them out (there's no safe place to do that really as the garden isn't secure) I haven't been able to get that close to them - apart from having my fingers pecked! Is this a problem? Should I be letting them out and snuggling them? Or, as a colleague says, just grabbing them whether they like it or not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 It's good to get used to handling them - and get them used to being handled - so that you can do any necessary health checks etc. Some people encourage their hens to be picked up for cuddles and sit on their knee - personally I don't want to do that, but I do get mine to eat out of my hand (although they won't all do this!). The best thing would be to wait until it's dusk and they've gone to bed in the Eglu, and then open the eggport and take them out and handle them - they will be dopey and so less likely to flap about, and it will be easier for you to get used to holding them. If you do this a few times, then you should find it's easier to do it in daylight when they are wide awake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Glad you are loving your chooks petunia To get close to them, I'd suggest starting by giving them each a good night cuddle just after they have put themselves to bed. At that time, being rather sleepy and not seeing well in the dusk light, they will be docile and much easier to pick up and hold. You can also get them to come to you during the day, by offering them meal worms in your hand and occasionally the odd bit of biscuit broken up quite small. Mine just love shortbread but that should only be a rare treat as it is rather fattening (to humans too ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petunia Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Thank you both, that's really helpful I'll see if the hail stays away and pop out there tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petunia Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 I popped out but I think I was too early, and then being over excited I'd forgotten to close the door so they got up and ran off! Oh well, tomorrow is another day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 How's it going? Have you managed to hold them today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Yes definitely get them used to being held. I don't really hold mine that much, unless I am checking them for parasites, looking at their feathers etc., and even if I do hold them its only in very dry weather (muddy/pooey feet and all) but all of mine are used to being handled. I always find that you have to handle a chicken with confidence, keep their wings against their body, and don't just lunge wildly, be calm but definate. If you don't want them to free range, then it is more difficult as you cannot rely on crouching, I would say hold them after they have gone to be, just to get used to holding them, so if there is ever an emergency you are that bit more prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petunia Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share Posted May 18, 2012 Haven't yet been able to hold them as couldn't keep an eye out to see what time they went to bed! I have however cooed over them in their bed and stroked them all plenty which I thought wasn't a bad start. Tonight I'm going to see when they go to bed then give them 15 minutes - but is it okay to pick them up if they're asleep? I don't want to terrify them if they wake up 5 foot in the air!! Thanks peeps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 They'll be fine - like sleepy babies. And I don't think they really sleep like we do. Whenever we've popped out to look at our they always make the most delightful mewing sound when we open our back door (unlike the racket they make when it's day time) so they seems to be always slightly aware of what's going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan08 Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 I don't particularly over handle ours. I kind of think they dont actually enjoy it unless they are feeling a bit picked on or under the weather. When they are bottom of the pecking order they do seem to be more open to a bit of a cuddle, our Bluebell used to sit on my knee purring when she was getting picked on and now she is the worst for getting picked up. Marigold is the bottom of the heap now, and she is the sweetest little thing and she will always come over for a chat, but even she is not overly impressed with cuddles, she will however perch on your hand whilst we talk. She came into lay 2 days ago now though and no-longer wants my company so much - what a change in just 2 days I read a post on hear from someone that I found really useful as I was always scared that I would hurt them. They advised you to pick up your girl and hold her tight (not too tight, just so that they can't flap about) to you as you sooth and settle her, once the hackles go down and they feel more calm, (you can usually feel their hearts racing) gently put them back on the ground. If you do that every so often without trying to do anything else. They should come to feel safer and associate handling with nothing bad happening. I have found that whilst they can still be a pain to get hold of, they do settle much quicker and allow me to check them over without too much fuss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chooks Aloud Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 You must handle them and yes they do enjoy it. I cuddle mine, rock them to and fro and sing to them all whilst cuddling. I can carry them in one hand round the garden and they do not struggle, instead they have been know to drop off to sleep in my arms, because they are so relaxed. Because they are used to being handled it's easy to check them over, dust them with diatom, bath them (when needed) etc. So persevere, it's well worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petunia Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share Posted May 18, 2012 Hurrah! I am back inside after snuggling my Hyacinth She is unbelievably soft and cuddly, though she was half asleep so will probably resent me in the morning Thanks all for your help, I really appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan08 Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 So glad you got a result, I had a little chat with Marigold tonight but Chilli wasn't having any of it and jumped off my knee first chance she got, but not before leaving a poop in my knee Hopefully the first of many for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 I tend to talk to mine when giving them a goodnight stroke - it's to reassure them it's me/they're safe and also to ensure they're used to my voice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 My Omlet girls didnt like being handled. My other hen Maggie May - I have had a year likes a cuddle and the new gals who have been with me 2 weeks are now getting used to being handled. i got a net for easy catching - Sharona took one look today as if to say " dont bother pick me up I wont fight back" Progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 So glad you manged it petunia There's nothing like a bit of chook cuddling and, Duncan, the odd goodnight story too. I admit, I have been known to kiss my chooks on the top of their heads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
