Controlling chickens in yard

[flock-mama]

Your right and I shouldn't have made it sound like that. I haven't had the problem for 4 years, it was the first year that I had a leader hen and that was her favorite spot. After she was gone the problem stopped. I learned alot in my first year, and i do respect thier property. I have a small garden fenced in, they try to get in. I just didn't understand how it was ok for the deer to come in and eat but my chickens weren't accepted. I learned my lesson and wanted to share State law for my area. I thought they could go anywhere because we are a free range state, but that does not include chickens. Sorry if I offended anyone.

 

[digitS']

Quote:
From very early on, I call the chicks when I feed them. They've got free choice but I do the chick-chick-chick routine when I fill the feeder. We also like to take them to the garden when we work there - altho' the Australorps I've had the last few times, feel the need to be "under foot" and that can really interfere with getting much done -

, darn!

Chicks will come to tapping. In the garden, they've got a pet carrier and I can just tap on that and the chicks will gather around trying to figure out what I'm up to. This is all when they are really small. They get to be too much of a handful as they grow older and spend nearly all their time confined, except maybe just before dark. The chick-chick-chick routine becomes more associated with treats (!) as they get older. They don't have much interest in filling the feeder.

I know sometimes the adult hens want back out of their pen as soon as they have finished whatever reward I have for them but that initial "lure" was too much of a temptation and by the next time (maybe just a couple of hours) they've forgotten that they're trading freedom for a treat. And, I don't fool 'em, they get something nice . . .

Steve

 

[mtnchicks]

I wasn't offended, Flock-mama, just putting in my 2 cents worth!

We tolerate the deer because they are a wild creature that we need to live with or outsmart. An animal owned by another is the owner's responsibility. At least in theory.
Actually, the biggest threat to my chickens, so far, has been the neighbor's kids. We had to put a lock on the run doors to keep them out, since their mother won't keep them out. I wish I could find a live trap big enough to catch the kids!

 

[flock-mama]

Ok good, I'm glad I didn't offened anyone, I am from the city at the beach, just started chicken addiction 5 yrs ago, learning alot. Still have lots of questions, and sharing what I have learned. It's a real addiction! I love my girls, and can't find it in my heart to KILL my roosters! So they live on in a 3rd coop I have. Anyway I think we all need to share so no one els has to deal with stupid stuff. Thanks for all support!!

 

[Chickenaddict]

I started taking my little ones uot when they were about 3 weeks old weather permitting of course and they followed me alll over the place including back into their pen when we were done with "outside time" now a year later and when the sun starts to go down in goes the chickens one by one into the coop to be locked down for the night. I think they know it is for their safety. As far as controlling your chickens in the yard its virtually impossible mine go into the neighbors yard alll the time but are quickly chased out by me. Right off the bat i talked to all our neighbors and let them know that i would control them as much as i possibly could but on occasions they may wonder in there and to feel free to chase them out. Also made it clear that if they had "issues" with the chickens to come and talk to us about it so it doesn't become a bigger issue. So far all the neighbors love it and some even come over for the free poo to use in their gardens as well as get free eggs once in awhile. Now after working with the chickens for over a year if i see then in someone elses yard alll i have to do is clap my hands and say cmere girls and they all come running to me thinking i have treats but instead of giving them treats everytime i praise them for coming to me and tell them what good girls they are.... believe it or not it works like a charm.

 

[flock-mama]

When my chicks were little I always said "here kitty kitty" after 3 years they still come running. lol. I like to walk my 6 acers and flip rocks and logs for bugs etc, so they like to hang around where we are hopping for a treat. They can be like dogs sometimes begging for treats. I find them waiting at my back door alot wanting cat food or whatever I have to give.

 

[mooman]

Like everyone else said, you have to train them to treats. When they are about three weeks old take food away (just for about an hour or tow). Then take them outside and do the chick chick chick thing while dumping some crumbles in front of them. As soon as the crumbles are eaten do it again a few feet away. You will have them coming when you call within an hour. Once they get older you will switch to scratch or as I like to call it: CHICKEN CRACK!! They will do anything and go anywhere for it. I just walk up to the coop and shake some in. They file right in.

 

[d.k]

*Miss Chook is going to get a temporary run this weekend. We have 2 rolls of leftover wire window screen that we will staple to cheapy 3 foot stakes just to corral her. That's b/c I have to be busy elsewhere with the sorting and packing. Draven will be guard-cat.