When most people think of chickens they think about eggs, or some fried chicken, but what those people don't realize, is that chickens are amazing pets! Most people at BYC know what amazing pets chickens can be, but how can you get a friendly relationship with your bird? What can you do with them as pets? How you train them to follow you or sit in your lap? Those are some questions you might be asking, so I have some answers.
If you have a good relationship with your chicken, one of the activities you can enjoy with your pet is cuddling with them. Many chickens will happily sit in your lap and let you pet them for hours! You can train them to do tricks, like coming to you, and doing little agility courses. You can even take them on walks! I actually love going on hikes with one of my hens, and it's a nice way for her to explore, and spend time with each other.
To gain trust with your chickens, give them treats and try to hold them as much as possible, while respecting their boundaries and not get too touchy with your chickens. Slowly your chickens will associate you with good things and volintarily spend time on your lap or with you.
To get your chickens to come when called, start with a sound. Make the sound, and then show them the treats, so they link the treats with the sound. So eventually they'll come running when they here the sound, treat or no treat.
To train your chickens to come on your lap, do the same the same thing as training them to come to you but out the tread on your lap. If they have already started jumping on you, praise them when they do, so they will keep on doing it. So good luck, and have fun with your pet chickens!
If you have a good relationship with your chicken, one of the activities you can enjoy with your pet is cuddling with them. Many chickens will happily sit in your lap and let you pet them for hours! You can train them to do tricks, like coming to you, and doing little agility courses. You can even take them on walks! I actually love going on hikes with one of my hens, and it's a nice way for her to explore, and spend time with each other.
To gain trust with your chickens, give them treats and try to hold them as much as possible, while respecting their boundaries and not get too touchy with your chickens. Slowly your chickens will associate you with good things and volintarily spend time on your lap or with you.
To get your chickens to come when called, start with a sound. Make the sound, and then show them the treats, so they link the treats with the sound. So eventually they'll come running when they here the sound, treat or no treat.
To train your chickens to come on your lap, do the same the same thing as training them to come to you but out the tread on your lap. If they have already started jumping on you, praise them when they do, so they will keep on doing it. So good luck, and have fun with your pet chickens!
