@RoyalChick @rural mouse @bgmathteach @CCsGarden @featherhead007
There are big debates about the restraint methods of taming versus free-will enticement, what are your thoughts? I do not have a strong opinion on either, though I favor enticement when the chicken is older. I haven't figured out what I'm doing wrong to make Diane see me as a threat, it must be something done earlier plus her nature...I am changing strategies to try to win her over as I learn from outside sources. But I'm writing because my history/situation with her frightens me when I contemplate a relationship with Shehnai.
On the plus side BO's Tedi and Annie are incredible snuggle-hens, & Buckeyes Butters, Popcorn and Peanut were very tolerant. Buckeye Hazel is totally nervous when being carried, she trembles, and tries to avoid being caught at first. (I found that if I place her where she is standing on her own as soon as possible she calms down and does much better.)
So what did I do there that's different with Diane, if my behavior is the root of it?
When in the chick & youngster stage theoretically one can more easily teach them that being held is a safe thing while they are first learning their role with you. I do think that a domination strategy later in life will not be a long-term solution to taming, as roosters (***cough - Diane ***) habitually violate boundaries and test their pecking order with others, human or not, for a leg up. If you are another rooster or competitor you'll be periodically attacked by a rooster no matter what, is what I've heard.
Shehnai was never a chick that I could catch easily, and he did not ever like being held and that never got better as we went along. I soon let everyone do as their nature dictated though I did try to hold everyone some (and Bea and Piccolo would sit glued to my hands or arms, impossible to get off!). He objected sooooo strongly, and he became even harder to catch as he got wise to my attempts, and he grew even longer legs! So I've let him be as he seems to need to be.
He would stand on me as a chick when they roamed around me, and he readily eats out of my hand today, and he doesn't mind me being very close. I can get him to stand briefly in one place with a hand lightly touching his breast and one on his back fluff, but I did not successfully get him to calmly tolerate being held...I guess he may have to be a "nighttime health check" chicken? I am working on maintaining some brief daytime touching for everyone at least, like a little touch of their back leg fluff or a wing touch when close.
Researching about roosters and have Shad's article. Learning about the Roovolution point of view lately. What do you all know about them? Their podcasts are a bit wordy and a little preachy but some have also been informative, especially after the first couple. I'm just starting them and might join that Facebook group for practical help, I think it's called Rooster Allies?
