Solitary chicken - need advice

[Justadmin]

We got our first ever hens today! Belina and Mary, two gingernuts. They're very lovely, I'm head over heels for them already.

 

A couple of questions which are probably a bit silly. I noticed that they get on really well, but at one point this afternoon I noticed Belina was just pecking Mary, very lightly, on the side of her neck. It was only intermittent for a few minutes and Mary didn't seem the least bit bothered. Was that just a bit of grooming or was it Belina asserting her dominance out of the two of them?

 

Also, we have a WIR and I've been sitting in there this afternoon, talking to them, getting them used to me. I've also picked them both up a couple of times so they a) tame down a bit quicker hopefully and b) know that I'm the boss. They're both so light it's like picking up a bag of feathers! They make a little fuss when I lift them but when they're tucked under my arm they seem fine, the cluck and coo a bit but they only start trying to flap and wriggle when I'm about to put them back down. Does this all sound okay to you? Am I doing the right thing getting them used to being handled? We really want them to be tame pets rather than just "livestock".

 

Also (last one), how do you know if a chicken is about peck you? When I hold Mary she turns her head and looks at my free hand as I stroke her, she brings her head quite close to it. I won't lie, being a bit of a wuss I then retracted my hand. Do you think she was looking to peck? Or was she just looking around to see what was what?

 

Many thanks for your help!

[emmalou]

Just wanted to say best of luck. Our coop is awaiting our first chickens but cannot get ours until June unfortunately. Lots of luck with them and just a little bit jealous I have to wait a bit longer for ours. Look forward to reading your posts on your progress with them.

[Luvachicken]

So glad you've got your chickens now

 

The gentle pecking of the 2 could be either a bit of cleaning or a little reminder of who is in charge.

I would just keep an eye on them to make sure it doesn't get viscious.

 

Talking and sitting with your girls is fine. They will soon get used to you if you do that every day.

I find if you sit them on your lap facing you, with their bodies between/sitting on your legs you can put your hands either side to keep them calm and use your thumbs to massage gently, just on their shoulders and they soon get quite relaxed and can fall asleep.

 

Chickens like to peck anything shiny or sparkly and sometimes red - nail varnish.

I'm not sure you can tell when one is going to peck you.

My pekins have quite a gentle peck but it still takes you by surprise but doesn't hurt too much.

I did have Gingernuts first time round and they pecked a hefty peck especially on any moles.

 

Never be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are silly, someone is bound to know the answer and others may not have been brave enough to ask the question that you thought was silly.

[clucker1]

Sounds great what you are doing. Chickens are inquisitive, some more than others! Some are scaredy cats and won't come anywhere near you, others like to find out what is going on by pecking, their beak finds things out for them. They like exploring rings, hair, Shoe laces, toes, nail varnish, scrunchies etc....My most greediest of chickens ever in 6 years of having chickens is very bossy for her treats....gets really fed up with me if no treats and will follow me round a lot to try and get food off me....she is a pickle! I'm a meanie on treats, only corn if it's cold or greens if they are not free ranging.