Chicken Training?

[mcwooten]

In your experience, what is the best way to train chickens, or any type of poultry for that matter, to come to you, or even fly up to your arm at a signal? Any particular type of treat? Please feel free to share your own personal methods or other approaches you may have heard of. Thanks!

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

I clicker trained my chickens to play the xylophone. I use chick scratch or crumbled plain cat treats. It's how I taught my rooster how to roost. Though he loved his cat treats so much he injured himself one time and we think he has a slipped tendon. (But I highly doubt that will happen to you, my roo is clumsy)

 

[mcwooten]

Sweet!

 

[Presidential]

Positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors.

Start very slow. The first challenge is teaching the animal how to learn - letting them know you are communicating with them and they will be rewarded! Build a solid foundation of behavior by taking baby steps toward your goal.

Chickens are creatures of habit. YOU must be consistent and repetitive and stay positive.

We used blueberries cut into fourths. Tiny & tasty!

Start by putting your arm on the surface chicken is standing & reward for stepping on. Then lift your arm just a little. This could take a day or a week, depending on your timing and the chicken's interest. Only after the behavior is 75% consistent, give it a command - verbal and/or hand signal. After 75% success with the command and a slight lift from the surface, raise a little more, then a little more. Soon you will be able to call your bird from anywhere to perch on your arm while you stand.

High value treats for the desired behavior only. If you treat without the training, your bird will not associate the goodie with the behavior.

Have fun!

 

[centrarchid]

See following threads. I use training more to get birds where I want them to go than to do specific activities but latter will be a future objective. Rewards are insects of some sort or sex. Latter works only for adult roosters and hen in lay.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/388547/training-chickens-for-voluntary-flight

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/407880/ambassadors-for-the-farm


I just took trained birds to a classroom yesterday. Training to get prepared was one to tow years prior.


Breed is important.