Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[emmalou]

We have had our chickens for 4 days now and they are adorable and quite entertaining. They have produced 16 eggs since Tuesday which I think is pretty good going for 5 hens?? Bedtimes I think are getting easier but would like to learn some tips on how to get chickens a little friendlier. Understandably atm, when we go in the run they gradually disappear up the run and like to keep their distance a little. I have tried various foods but they still seem set on just wheat and their feed. They do love slugs from time to time. Can I tempt them to be a little tamer in some way? I know everything takes time and they need to learn our trust but would like to start early as I think this will help with their bedtime routine if they can learn to trust us. I sat in with them yesterday for 20 mins but they weren't that bothered really whether I was there or now

[Cat tails]

Food is the best motivator, but it might take some time to find something they love. Soft sweet fruits are favorites of mine. They keep stealing the strawberries.

Also life crickets are loved treat.

[emmalou]

Yes, the only thing I have found is slugs but understand they carry parasites so don't want to go mad on those. How do you get crickets? Is cheese OK? I understand dairy products may not be the best for chickens.

[Cat tails]

I wouldn't do cheese. Too fatty and too salty.

 

I buy crickets in pet stores that sell them for reptiles. Also occasional cat food goes down well, as well as canned tuna in water, but again, that is quite salty.

Some like dried maggots too, although mine aren't too impressed.

[ISCA]

Grapes, tomatoes and meal worms are favoured by all mine.

[Guest]

I would persevere with with sitting in the run with them, take your book, talk to them constantly , scatter corn or other treat by your feet, it will happen but newbies IMO (except ginger ninjas) tend to be timid.

 

Start by having a certain sound as a come sound, my girls look up when I click my tongue, a click and come on in a certain pitch makes them all run to me, holding hand up with a firm stay stops them in their running.

 

My girls now all choose to snooze next to me when they are free ranging, if they sense a predator they run to me too, if a hen escapes the garden or gets stuck under a hedge (bit dim my lot) half the hens call to me while the others run to me.

 

I am a right bossy mare with animals and husbands.

[mullethunter]

Mine will do absolutely anything for mealworms. Dried are ok but live are best - you can get them at Pets At Home where they're often half price