chicken-pick-up concerns ....

[wannabe4birds]

Howdy; while I'm in the searching-for-knowledge mode .... I've read that buff opingtons seem to dislike being picked up; maybe they'll sit on one's lap when they choose, but otherwise ... hands off, mammal!

I plan to have some ops as avian pets, and no matter what, I'm sure picking some up at times would be necessary. Does anybody know if holding them is really an issue for them? Could it be a function of handling while they're chicks? Maybe a breed behavior -- or a standard chicken behavior, period?

Thx for any commentaries on this. I'm pre-new, so ..... lots of questions that probably seem irrelevant to long-time raisers.

 

[aart]

Handling propensity is not really breed specific.
It's more about 'training' and acclimation.
Most chickens do not like to be touched or handled(picked up),
but you can train them to 'like' it, or at least tolerate it,
by frequent and consistently handling them from chickhood.

 

[rosemarythyme]

There are some breeds that may be more flighty than others, but Buff Orps aren't one of those. Like aart said chickens generally don't like being handled but they can learn to tolerate it. If you're consistent and careful while holding them they'll learn to stay still until you put them back down.

 

[SueT]

I agree, in general, even the friendliest would rather not be touched. With treats, you can teach them to jump into your lap or onto your arm. You can have quite a close relationship with them without ever picking them up....

 

[aart]

I agree, in general, even the friendliest would rather not be touched. With treats, you can teach them to jump into your lap or onto your arm. You can have quite a close relationship with them without ever picking them up....
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But...then you've got to teach them to not jump up unless they are invited,
or they'll be jumping on you, or others who may not enjoy it, all the time....bad habit.

 

[SueT]

But...then you've got to teach them to not jump up unless they are invited,
or they'll be jumping on you, or others who may not enjoy it, all the time....bad habit.

right.....I don't want that, especially large breeds. This one won't fly up there unless I first show her the treat and it has to be one she approves of.
@wannabe4birds many (not all) hens and laying age pullets will involuntarily squat and freeze for you every time you approach them, and you can easily pick them up.