Help please.

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Anonymous

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Hi, I posted this question along with my 'hello' so sorry for repeating but was not sure if I should have posted my question in the 'hello' section.

Anyway I brought 3 hens today is our second day with them. I am not sure what they are just that they are 20 weeks and reddish brown with white feathers in the tails. I did plenty of research and was well equiped with the bits I needed. The problem I think I have is that I cleaned out the poop tray this morning and was literally 'hen pecked'. I thought they were supposed to friendly? Now I am not sure if I'm doing something wrong. My children are desperate to get involved with them but I dont want them to be pecked at.

Sorry for going on any advice would be most welcome.
 
Most probably these chickens have had very little handling and are not used to human contact, i dont think you should be surprised that now you are in close contact that they will not allow you to touch them.
I have an 19 week old light sussex and the first day i put my hand near her she pecked my hand and left a bruise. That was last thursday and every day i pick her up even if its only to put her down again so she gets used to me handling her. I find its best to try and get behind her and put my hands ocer her wings and pick her up and you must be firm, like your not scared. She will get used to it. As far as kids are concerned i would just get them used to stroking her and maybe they could hold her on their lap when she is a bit more used to being handled.
 
Sometimes, if they are really friendly (and the hens sound like RIR x Light Sussex which are very friendly) they can peck looking for food. If they walk up to you and peck at your hands, this is probably the case - if they run away and peck when cornered, it's probably through defence.

In time, they should settle. It's all very new to them and as bb1963 says, they have probably not been handled much before.

Hope this helps

Tim
 
Hi,

we had never held, handled or dealt with chickens before..... In order for us to get used to it all and they us, we wore winter gloves- it gave us added protection and we were able to hold them more securely- as we unsure as to how much pressure to apply when holding them.

Also when they were on our laps, we fed some corn from our gloved hands. I have also found time and time again that a fluffy towel works a treat for so many things- holding them to stop there wings flapping we wrap it around them so there heads are popping out. Mine like cuddles in the towels, and my poorly one this morning was wrapped in a towel, being spoon fed ready brek.... but thats another post.
I actually have a pile of old towel for the girls, and even when they have muddy feet, I pick them up and put them in a towel, especially helpful when they are on your lap and they have a little poop.

I must say though that our girlies are bantams, therefore a little easier to handle.

It just takes time for them to get to know you , and you them- wait till they come running when you call them- adorable!

best wishes, Sharron
 
Hi thanks for all your comments, it seems I was a bit quick off the mark.

This morning I gave them some extra food and let them out into the garden. They were fine no pecking and even let me and the girls pick them all up.

I think the pecking was the shiny bits I had on, (rings and watch)

Still getting lots of eggs so really pleased!
 
Hello (and welcome). They will love shiny bits, and if you paint your toe nails red beware of going in the run in sandals or flip flops :D They sound lovely if they've let you pick them up already.
 
LOL, I dont have red nail varnish but thanks for the thumbs up.

We are having great fun with our chooks.
 
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