Please is this EE a hen? She keeps getting green tail feathers and thinner sickles as well as longer and green hackle feathers. A lot of color for a she??
Amanda, this is what I do. Sit on the ground if you can (for my old behind this includes some kind of cushion), feed them a treat just brushing them when you can. But if you've got one. Have body supported in some way. Lap works. Keep wings secured. Flapping only excited everyone! Repeat any sounds the bird makes to you interspersed with mama chick low, quiet slow balks. Stroke back of neck with hand not holding wings or back. Keep talkin' and strokin' until bird relaxes. When you put them down use 2 hands holding firmly. When feet touch ground do not turn loose until you feel bird relax. Teaches you are in control and reminds them you are not a predator. Shoot! I can still calm my 7 year old birds with " mama" talk. Doesn't this just make sense. I just watched a hen mom for some of this. Also lean into their head until your cheek is on the chick. Like being under mom' swing. Heck fire, sometimes even our adult children need a little mama hen clucking.
Thank you ! So glad to hear she's a pullet! I was so concerned I'd have to find her another home. Thank you for the calming advice. I have to take the youngsters from their cage in the coop to the chicken tractor every day since they aren't totally integrated yet,so Peepers is handled at least twice daily. I guess I've been on the right track about how to handle her, but unfortunately I have never had the experience of a mamma hen with her babies. I will keep working with her. It is important to me that all our chickens are somewhat comfortable being handled for safety and health reasons. ( as well as I just love them!)
Thank you ! So glad to hear she's a pullet! I was so concerned I'd have to find her another home. Thank you for the calming advice. I have to take the youngsters from their cage in the coop to the chicken tractor every day since they aren't totally integrated yet,so Peepers is handled at least twice daily. I guess I've been on the right track about how to handle her, but unfortunately I have never had the experience of a mamma hen with her babies. I will keep working with her. It is important to me that all our chickens are somewhat comfortable being handled for safety and health reasons. ( as well as I just love them!)
Just be aware that chickens are not dogs. Plenty of chickens do NOT enjoy being picked up and petted. Some will tolerate it and some will enjoy it. Be prepared for any of the above
Only 1 of my girls (a 4 Y/O Black Australorp) will get in a lap but that is because she is hoping for FOOD! She will back away if you try to pet her from the top, side or front.
Please is this EE a hen? She keeps getting green tail feathers and thinner sickles as well as longer and green hackle feathers. A lot of color for a she??
Lots of EEs have a somewhat 'typical' pattern:
Head one color, "necklace", body similar (or not!) to head with penciling/partridge pattern, tail of a different color.
