Am I the only weirdo here that doesn't like to touch or hold the

[Pokster]

All my critters have a job and it's to make me smile, and they do

 

[Blue]

Quote:
I know! It really is rewarding when mine come running up to me, though outside of the chicks, it's generally because they want to beg for treats. lol! The chicks just like to sit on me, even without the treats. Some of them never come around me, which is fine. I usually only mess with the ones that like to be messed with or at least don't seem to mind it, and I only try to handle the ones that really don't seem to like being handled if I need to dust them for lice, move them, etc.

 

[rancher hicks]

I haven't read all the posts, so I suppose there are other who don't like to touch or hold their chickens. Me? I like to hold them though I don't do it very often. When I do, I like to smell their clean feathers. It's a sign I'm doing a good job of caring for them.

When I bought my first non hatchery Dels they were older and the condition was so bad I had to drive home with the windows of the car down. They smelled so bad. After I got them home and put them into a clean pen with clean wood chips and they rolled around and all that? They were white and smelled really nice.

Holding chickens may not do much for them but they get to know you and feel safe when your around. Mine may be hiding inside if something has upset them, but when I come out and sit in the yard they all start to come out and peck and scratch unafraid. That's when you know they trust you. It's a nice feeling.


Hope you do fine.

Rancher

 

[LindseyM12]

Quote:
x2

 

[Flawedprophecy]

I love holding my babies. But i would understand why you wouldnt..

 

[Okie Amazon]

I handle/hold/pet all of my animals that seem to enjoy it. The only thing I'm NOT crazy about is getting nuzzled by wet, slimy calf noses. I draw the line there! Our heifer calf constantly wants to give me wet kisses on the cheek! Bleech!

 

[Blue]

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I have that same problem, but it's one of our dogs, so the nose is much smaller than a cow's.

 

[greenSearcher]

I don't generally hold my chickens, once they leave the brooder or are a couple months old I let them be. By then they are conditioned to allow me to touch them as needed. I was surprised last week when DS came over w/ the grandchildren and we were sitting out on the porch talking, when one of the production reds came over from the coop area and climbed into DH's lap and sat there for 20 or so minutes being petted, like a cat, before she was put down. No pooping either! Most of the time a scritch on the back is all that is wanted and for the boys, a few minutes in our arms reminds them who is boss.

 

[Mrs. K]

I like them around my feet, and many a day I have had a cup of coffee in the run. But I don't like them up on me. And I seldom pick them up, unless I need too. I think I like is the flock, all the silly interactions. I watch them with each other, not so much as with me. Before I had a roo, they would do the egg squat to me, and I would give them a pet, but I don't handle them too often, and I don't like them near my face.

MrsK

 

[Pinky]

I am not much of a petter, But I love to hold baby chicks

They're just so soft and it helps them to get to know that I am not a threat to them. I let the adult chickens decide if they want me to hold them or not. If one flies on my arm or shoulder, I take it that bird wanted to be held

and I love to sit out next to my chickens. It's peaceful and we all get to know each other better.