Tips on Handling.....

[julesapple]

.......I've promised the 5 year old next door that she can hold one of the chooks when they are used to being handled. Up until the other day she had never seen a live chook. And, I wouldn't mind a cuddle either. With a chook I mean...this is coming out all wrong

So, tips on handling my new girls and getting them used to humans, without stressing them out, would be much appreciated please!

Jules

[MaureenHall]

When I've tried to get the ex-batts used to being handled, I took a small stool (could use a garden chair) into the run and sat with them with a handful of mixed corn. I got them eating out of my hand first (they certainly can get a bit over-excited and peck your palm or fingers quite hard!!) then started stroking their chins and chests while they were eating. I gradually brought the food closer to me till they were standing on my knee and started to trust me. It was then no problem to pick them up for a cuddle and a chat It doesn't happen overnight, it could take a long time, but I think once they know they're safe with you, they're fine. Good luck

[Hans Mum]

bribary!!!!!!!!!!!i got mine used to eating out of my hand first (corn/mealworm/etc) then when they were less skitish picked them up by holding their wings firmly to their bodies and tucking them under my arm and stroking their necks....they're still not madly keen on being picked up but i do it every couple of days to each of them so i can give the a quick health check. If they crouch when you put your hand on their back its easier as they stop still (i think the crouching means if there was a cockeral they'd be happy to receive him)

[francesbean]

Are they laying yet - ie have they started that crouching down thing where they think youre a cockrel!

It makes it so much easier - little one would be alarmed if you had to chase hen to catch it first and it flaps.

mine like a cuddle but on their own terms, and just like babies you have to hold them securely kind of swaddle them tucking their wings in with your hands.

francesbean

[francesbean]

whoops crossed posts -me and hansmum in total agreement i see -ha ha

francesbean

[vicky]

I agree with bribery and just sitting in the run to get them used to you. They are quite good at fighting if they don't want to be held and can scratch so make sure the little girl doesn't have bare arms or legs!

[Lemon]

If they crouch when you put your hand on their back its easier as they stop still (i think the crouching means if there was a cockeral they'd be happy to receive him)

I was wondering about the crouching tiger hidden hen thing........ Korma does that & it's good 'cos you can pick her up - but Bokky was always such a little s@@ to catch! After a lovely warm bath last month (I decided she was brown not white anymore! [The hens had a bath!]) she has been a bit more human-friendly and does that crouching thing and bum in air. I wondered if she was 'presenting' herself to me!?!?!?

[julesapple]

I was wondering about the crouching tiger hidden hen thing........ Korma does that & it's good 'cos you can pick her up - but Bokky was always such a little s@@ to catch! After a lovely warm bath last month (I decided she was brown not white anymore! [The hens had a bath!]) she has been a bit more human-friendly and does that crouching thing and bum in air. I wondered if she was 'presenting' herself to me!?!?!?

Have you had eggs from Bokky yet, Lemon?

Jules

[Hans Mum]

[QUOTE=francesbean;473723]whoops crossed posts -me and hansmum in total agreement i see -ha ha

touche....its good to share the knowledge we've gained on here

[matthew2riches]

bribary!!!!!!!!!!!i got mine used to eating out of my hand first (corn/mealworm/etc) then when they were less skitish picked them up by holding their wings firmly to their bodies and tucking them under my arm and stroking their necks....they're still not madly keen on being picked up but i do it every couple of days to each of them so i can give the a quick health check. If they crouch when you put your hand on their back its easier as they stop still (i think the crouching means if there was a cockeral they'd be happy to receive him)

The only way with a chook!

[Lemon]

Have you had eggs from Bokky yet, Lemon?

Jules

yes Jules....we got the girls last Aug (at 18-20wks old) and the first egg was laid after 3 hrs! Next day there were 2 eggs.... Since Dec we've only had 1 egg a day (some days none). I suspect Bokky is the only one laying.

Bought some Verm-X today as well as feed and have put some on their pellets for tomorrow. How do you make sure they both eat the verm-X?