“Share Helpful Backyard Poultry TIPS” a Random Posting CONTEST Thread ~ Hosts, Mike & Sally

[SueT]

I know that chickens will go to bed automatically at dusk, but sometimes I need to get them to go in early. Offering treats may work at first, but over time they get suspicious and also it is hard to see treats in a dark henhouse. I discovered this simple solution.They respond almost magically if I hold my arms out to my sides at about a 45º angle, palms open toward them and then I walk calmly toward them, herding them to the door. They all just calmly hop in, single file, no fuss. I can get them in 30 to 40 minutes early this way.
ps: further clarification, I get behind them, then I look steadily at the door where I want them to go, not at them, and have my feet pointed to the door as well. I don't say a thing.

 

[mobius]

I know that chickens will go to bed automatically at dusk, but sometimes I need to get them to go in early. Offering treats may work at first, but over time they get suspicious and also it is hard to see treats in a dark henhouse. I discovered this simple solution.They respond almost magically if I hold my arms out to my sides at about a 45º angle, palms open toward them and then I walk calmly toward them, herding them to the door. They all just calmly hop in, single file, no fuss. I can get them in 30 to 40 minutes early this way.

That IS magic!! Genius! Will have to try!! Very cute pic, too!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I know that chickens will go to bed automatically at dusk, but sometimes I need to get them to go in early. Offering treats may work at first, but over time they get suspicious and also it is hard to see treats in a dark henhouse. I discovered this simple solution.They respond almost magically if I hold my arms out to my sides at about a 45º angle, palms open toward them and then I walk calmly toward them, herding them to the door. They all just calmly hop in, single file, no fuss. I can get them in 30 to 40 minutes early this way.
ps: further clarification, I get behind them, then I look steadily at the door where I want them to go, not at them, and have my feet pointed to the door as well. I don't say a thing.

thats because you look like a vulture LOL!!! I do the same thing, but after a few times they get the idea!

 

[mlm Mike]

A New Prize Has Been Added​

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24" handmade Rustic Wooden Rooster - Donated and Made by @Sally Sunshine ​

​

 

[country lovin]

I know that chickens will go to bed automatically at dusk, but sometimes I need to get them to go in early. Offering treats may work at first, but over time they get suspicious and also it is hard to see treats in a dark henhouse. I discovered this simple solution.They respond almost magically if I hold my arms out to my sides at about a 45º angle, palms open toward them and then I walk calmly toward them, herding them to the door. They all just calmly hop in, single file, no fuss. I can get them in 30 to 40 minutes early this way. ps: further clarification, I get behind them, then I look steadily at the door where I want them to go, not at them, and have my feet pointed to the door as well. I don't say a thing.

I have learned that using my son's pool noodles makes my arms look longer and gives me more control of more chickens at once

 

[mobius]

A New Prize Has Been Added​

​

24" handmade Rustic Wooden Rooster - Donated and Made by @Sally Sunshine ​

​

What a lovely prize!! Nice!!

 

[chicken19]

Quote: Sometimes my rooster won't go in when I do this so I just do it super slowly! I can herd my henny wherever I want, even when they're outside!

 

[Gwynny7]

whats a
Variac? I know google is my friend right? lol

Yes Google is an amazing resource!! BYC is also a GREAT resource! Essentially the variac allows you to regulate how much.

Here is a helpful site that explains what a variac is:

http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2009-10/what-variac


Here is a YouTube Video that is half decent:

 

[Jessimom]

It gets really hot around here. On super hot days, I chop up fruit and put it in ice cube trays, add water and freeze. I then drop them into a plastic trough that I usually have water in. The cubes slide all over the place and the chickens have fun chasing them. It's a cool treat on a hot day.

 

[SueT]

I have learned that using my son's pool noodles makes my arms look longer and gives me more control of more chickens at once

great idea!