So I am pretty new to both raising bird and to BackYardChickens. I got my first adult birds last summer, they are doing pretty well and one of my hens went broody.
She hatched out 8 healthy chicks.Then I ran across some one looking for homes for 8 Cayuga ducklings. Then another lady wanted one of my ganders in trade for 8 more ducklings. So now I have 16 ducklings and 8 chick all in a large chicken coop. When I enter the coop to feed them my feet get attacked by the entire group. Obviously I can not wear open toe shoes. I am worried about allowing this behavior to continue unchecked. I had 3 duckling I raised this spring that did this same thing now every time I have the feed bucked they are weaving in and out between my feet and trying to get in to the feed bucket no matter what kind of feed it is. I weigh over 200lb so this is not safe for me or them. I try really hard not to steep on them the adults and the 6 week old chicks but I am still stepping on there adorable little ducky feet all the time thankfully the chicks and chickens are better at staying out from under foot.
My question is how can I train them out of running rite up to my feet if I can at all. I know they associate me with food even though I am not normal in the coop when I feed them.
She hatched out 8 healthy chicks.Then I ran across some one looking for homes for 8 Cayuga ducklings. Then another lady wanted one of my ganders in trade for 8 more ducklings. So now I have 16 ducklings and 8 chick all in a large chicken coop. When I enter the coop to feed them my feet get attacked by the entire group. Obviously I can not wear open toe shoes. I am worried about allowing this behavior to continue unchecked. I had 3 duckling I raised this spring that did this same thing now every time I have the feed bucked they are weaving in and out between my feet and trying to get in to the feed bucket no matter what kind of feed it is. I weigh over 200lb so this is not safe for me or them. I try really hard not to steep on them the adults and the 6 week old chicks but I am still stepping on there adorable little ducky feet all the time thankfully the chicks and chickens are better at staying out from under foot.
My question is how can I train them out of running rite up to my feet if I can at all. I know they associate me with food even though I am not normal in the coop when I feed them.
