Am I right....am I wrong...my God, what have I done?

[dogdollar]

I have ten chookies.....four barred rocks, five production reds, and a Dominecker rooster.
My coop was designed for six hens, but one thing led to another and I wound up with the ten. I think they are very happy in the coop/run, even though it is a bit crowded right now...I keep it very clean and there is always fresh cool water and fresh chicken chow, but I decided since they were a bit crowded I could at least let them free range for 2-4 hours a day in the afternoons. I generally let them out about five, and by sunset, which is around eight-thirty, they are back in the coop and have sorted out the roost assignments.
I am very protective of my chookies at this point. The first half hour after I let them out is spent cleaning, plus refiliing and refreshing water and food. After that, I just sort of hang out with them, drinking a few beers, and just watching their antics. It is very relaxing to me. Now and then I will go back to the house for a while to get another beer, and I'll grab a few slices of bread for them...maybe some grapes.....maybe a few cupfulls of last night's dinner, and they are always very grateful.
Problem is, now they seem to follow me everywhere. Every time I walk across the property, they stop foraging and run to me in a bee line. I try to explain to them that I don't have anything for them, and herd them back towards the coop, but it doesn't matter. Every time they see me, the whole flock runs towards me and follows me.
It's cute, you know......but I would rather they went about their chicken business and let me go about mine. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
DD

 

[Mahonri]

Looks like you've already trained them.

They are fun aren't they. I've got lap chickens now because I make them get in my lap to get bread. They love me...er the bread.

 

[kla37]

THAT is too funny. I suggest you lay off being a walking buffet for awhile! Give them treats if you want, but scatter them before you let them out. At least they love you!

 

[Rebel Rooster]

Oh it's a done deal now... Your chooks see ya as the "FOOD" guy... That's what I am! I get mobbed everytime I go out!

They shore do love their groceries don't they??

 

[flakey chick]

I used to sing a song when cleaning out the coop to let them know I wasn't bringing them goodies. When they acted like shameless beggars I would sing the song and they would realize I wasn't going to give them anything. It also helped to show them good bug hotspots like the compost heap.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Oh...wait til they start knocking on the door because the 'walking buffet' is late.

Mine come to the front door at 8am if the Pied Piper (me) isnt out there with some left overs. Nothing like being accosted by 3 large ducks, 13 (?) call ducks, 3 roosters and 9 hens.
Each and every one of them quacking, crowing or cackling. Sometimes its down right scary.

I've learned to break the bread up before I walk out the door because they havent learned patience and our big white Pekin will hit my knee cap with her beak if I am not throwing it fast enough.

You just have to learn how to do one simple thing.... R U N!!

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Oh, now THAT is cool! I may try that, myself. They don't care the coop I made for them is a little wonky, they don't care the run is pretty white-trashy, so maybe they won't mind my singing voice.

But then again, perhaps that's the point!

 

[annie3001]

once you start with the treats! they are forever your humble servents. bowing to you like your a king! see if you can teach them tricks. ha

 

[pontoosuc]

love it! and they love you.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Camelot, how on earth can one run with chickens swarming one's ankles? I swear mine are trying to make me fall down so they can get the treats faster!