Finally breaking out in the world of BYC!

I couldn't be more excited. I'm about to take my first job on a free range poultry farm this summer. But I'm also a bit nervous, as I've never been around so many birds at 1 time before. Any suggestions on how to get them to warm up to me fast, or at least not want to peck me raw??

Apparently this is huge farm of about 2,000 chickens (well that's huge to me) and I'm quite lucky they're considering taking me on with my lack of experience (though long time enthusiast!), and they have a variety of fowl (pea, guinea, turkey, duck and of course chicken).

I just want them to kind of feel like I know what I'm doing (them being both the birds, as well as the owners), and the advice will give me some confidence.

Thank you

I can't give you any advice but good luck

Move slow and steady. Remember you are most likely bigger than any bird, but they can seem quite big flying at you. If you have to grab one, HANG on, even if they are flapping, just keep grabbing till you get a better hold. Try and fasten both wings to the body if you handle them. Remember to wash your hands after handling birds.

IF you visit other chicken people, you should not wear those boots or clothes when you go back to "your" flock, diseases can be transmitted that way.

Death is a fact of life, some birds are going to die, but hopefully not too many of them. People who raise animals don't like loosing any of them, not only does it make them sad, but it is a financial loss to them. They tend to take deaths seriously, as in preventing them to the best of the ability, however, they do know it is going to happen, so seldom get real emotional.

But the most important advice is to listen more, say little and see if you can figure it out. Always be on a look out, can you help with something. People notice that and will call you a good worker. Be on time, come when you say you will, they are counting on you. Be cheerful.

Good luck,

Mrs k

2,000 birds isn't a backyard thing.

Mrs. K has given you good advice.....
.....especially the don't wear your work clothes/boots around any other flocks,
walk slow and carefully, and be a good employee.

Let us know how it goes!
Best of cLuck!

Great advice about he boots and clothes. Thanks!

Usually people who work at poultry facilities don't have birds at home, because of the risk of disease transmission. They should have very clear policies concerning biosecurity; at least I hope so! Mary

Good point Mary. I don't plan of having any of my own home birds while working here. I'll have rabbits and a vegetable garden that's about it.

Any, if anyone's interested, here's some pics I took at the farm over my training week.