Birdy tips

[aart]

Quote: Ahhh, makes sense.

 

[Birdwhisperer10]

I go to the Poultry Program because I am a chicken fanatic and I love my birds.

 

[Birdwhisperer10]

Would you know how to get a hen that is caring for a chick to calm down when getting fed. My Nankin hen hatched a single egg so I`m letting her take care of it on her own.

 

[TalkALittle]

Would you know how to get a hen that is caring for a chick to calm down when getting fed. My Nankin hen hatched a single egg so I`m letting her take care of it on her own.

What kind of a setup do you have her in? How big of an area does she have access to? Nankins are good little brooders and do a good job rearing chicks. Maybe she just doesn't like you getting so close to her chick. I've seen mamma hens go after people, goats and dogs that got too close to their chicks. Could you distract her with mealworms or something tasty in the far corner of her pen while you swap out the feeder and waterer?

 

[aart]

Quote: Ditto Dat^^^

I had a broody that was not readily 'handleable' before she went broody. Before I gave her eggs I had to relocate her and while she was setting I made a point of going in there at least once a day and offering her tidbits, touching her, looking underneath her. She got used to me and I had no problems(from her) handling her or her chicks once they hatched.

 

[Birdwhisperer10]

I tried to hold her but she keeps squawking and going berserk and putting in mealworms or any treats inside will just make her dig faster and fluff her feather out to make herself look bigger.

 

[aart]

I tried to hold her but she keeps squawking and going berserk and putting in mealworms or any treats inside will just make her dig faster and fluff her feather out to make herself look bigger.

It takes time (weeks), consistency, and patience to 'train' any animal......
....and right now may not be the time to do so, when she has a new chick as mothers can be very protective.

 

[Birdwhisperer10]

She`s protective alright. I have peck marks on my hands still. She is usually friendly.

 

[bobbi-j]

Personally, I'd just let her be until the chick is a little older. She's in Mama Mode right now.

 

[Birdwhisperer10]

Mamma mode is annoying