PickleHen Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Our ex-colony hens have now settled down and are almost entirely covered in new feathers! They have established a pecking order and in general seem very settled and happy. They were hen sat, at home, whilst we travelled over the last 2weeks and have seemed to have formed a new habit of pecking profusely at us when we come near. Fingers, hands, feet.... Basically anywhere they can get to! They have never been hand fed but it is clear they know who is responsible for their feed arrival! Other than laying out their food before they are let out of the Eglu hutch in the morning and perhaps ensuring I spend some more time handling them (which hasn't happened whilst we have been away) does handy one else have any suggestions? It doesn't really worry me but is likely to be not appealing to our visitors and small people who visit and want to enjoy them! Thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 I think you have the right ideas: make sure food is in the feeders before you let them out, and try not to use food distractions to avoid getting pecked so that you don't reinforce the "peck hand = food" association. Handling would also help and maybe they'll learn that pecking = cuddles! (But cuddles might = a nice treat afterwards ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 My ex bats love to peck brightly coloured things. They have a bright green watering can which they peck continuously. See if you can find something really bright, preferably red that they can concentrate on. I think they just really enjoy it, probably never done it before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
