Bluebubbles Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Hello, One of our pullets seems to be getting very demanding when it comes to food and free range time. We have three hens and two rabbits so I try to alternate the use of the garden between them (I have heard that chickens have been known to peck at a rabbits eyes as they think they are bugs). Two of the hens seem happy with this, Claret is more vocal in general and loves a good chat so her little conversation chirps aren't of concern. Bluebell however, is a very different story... she has started making a loud almost growling sound when she doesn't get what she wants. I work from home so I try and give the animals as much of my attention as possible and will go and spend time with the chooks several times a day. My partner thinks she is doing this because I am 'spoiling' them and they know what to do to get me to give in. I have to be honest and say I probably do pander to them quite a bit, but I just want them to have the best life possible with us. Has anyone had a similar issue with one of their hens? Bluebell is top of the pecking order so I don't know if this has something to do with it. Any tips on how to calm her down when she sees me would be appreciated. The noise doesn't bother us, I am just concerned that on the days I am not here she may feel abandoned and spend her day squawking. Thanks for your time BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Our bluebelle was our noisiest chicken ever and I wouldn't have another one. I seem to remember there was a thread on here about which chicken was your noisiest and the bluebelle won. Also, the more you pander to your chickens, the more they will take advantage or try to. Mine would like to be let out all day. Normally they are checked on in the morning then anytime from the afternoon when they are let out from (this could range from 1pm to 6pm )when you go to see them they will do their let me out squawk! However, you learn to harden to them and leave them to get on with it. Also,my chickens understand what the word "in" means, so I can enter the run and say " in" to them and they know they aren't going out so I have no escapees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Yes ! Definitely no pandering! Mine have trained to get up at first light and feed them endive and corn. You don't want to end up like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I agree, i would play hard ball for a couple of weeks and completely ignore her. Don't give her treats at all and limit the free ranging. I would let her out but only when she isn't gobbing off and don't stick to letting them out at the same time everyday. That way if it doesn't happen then they won't expect it. We have all made the mistake of giving them treats when they become noisy just to keep them quiet but they soon catch on...shout and treats come running! Reintroduce treats BUT only when they are quiet and behaving themselves. They really are very intelligent and train us humans very well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
