Although they may not seem like the most affectionate of animals, most backyard chickens become very accustomed to their owners and often enjoy being picked up, petted and spoken to in a gentle and friendly manner.
As a backyard chicken keeper, it is important that you know how to catch and keep your chickens correctly and safely. Not just to show them some love and affection and get them used to human touch and interaction, for those times when you may need to put them back in their familiar environment.Cooperationyourself for their own safety - not an easy task with a restless and flighty bird!
First of all, it is important that you do not chase your chicken. This will only cause your poor poultry to stand crookedstressed, which can lead to further health problems. It is much more conducive to train your chicks to come to you, which can be encouraged by using a few food pellets or grains - it won't be long before your girls associate your arrival with atreatand come running!
If possible, it is best to try to corner your chicken before trying to pick her up. Place your strongest hand on the center of the back and use that hand to pin the wings down as much as possible - don't grab wings or tail feathers! Secure the legs and lower body with your other hand and lift them gently and slowly. Be sure to cuddle them close to your body to make it difficult for them to flutter around or jump down, which can lead to injury.
When performing these, it is important to perfect the balance between ensuring they are held securely and preventing injury. You want them to remain cool, calm and collected, but we don't want to cause our feathered friends unnecessary pain.
You should never pick up a chicken by its legs or neck. Not only does this cause mental stress, but it can also cause physical damage to your chicken, both of which can lead to further health problems.
When you have your chicken in your arms, make them feel safe by petting them and talking to them softly. This will help calm their nerves and familiarize them with human actions.
To properly carry your chicken, place one hand under her bottom, making sure you have a firm hold, and tuck her head slightly under your arm. However, try to avoid restricting their view as this can make them nervous and scared, resulting in a flighty chicken - not fun to handle!
It is a good idea to reward your chicken with some grain or food pellets when you put him back safely, to show him that handling them should not be seen as an unpleasant or dreaded experience for him.
Once you become more confident in handling your chickens and start collecting and holding your chickens more often, you will find that both you and your girls will get used to the routine and it will become second nature! So spread the love and cuddle with your pups!
Like all pets, chickens can be trained to get used to human interactions. They can also learn to stop bad habits and adopt more positive ones. Some behaviors are adorable quirks of a breed. However, others may cause concern.
Luckily our friends are thereKippediahas created a fantastic oneChicken keeping course. This comprehensive online course shares useful advice on different types of chicken behavior. The well-structured course also helps you deal with bad behavior and encourage positive behavior. Keep the neighbors happy - their only complaint will be that they wish they had chickens too!
Learn how to raise the best behaved chickens in town with this beginner-friendly course. That's why I highly recommend itChickenpedia'scourses for all my readers! They are packed with essential information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.
click herechecking outKippediaToday!
