Harness training a silkie?

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

I recently got a chicken harness! I fully suggest anyone with nice chickens gets one, as they are SUPER fun. I took some videos, but I can't post them. It won't let me
Anyway, I caught him (my white satin non-bearded silkie rooster crazy i know) crowing multiple times, and he can even walk up stairs, and will gladly do so! He likes running around in the grass, which he can't do in his coop because the grass won't grow (guess who's fault that is ). Anyway, I definitely recommend getting one if you have a tame chicken.

If I can get it to work, I'll upload videos.

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

You have to create a YouTube account & post them there. Then copy & paste the link for each video.

I can't do that either :\

 

[Coffetym]

I recently got a chicken harness! I fully suggest anyone with nice chickens gets one, as they are SUPER fun. I took some videos, but I can't post them. It won't let me
Anyway, I caught him (my white satin non-bearded silkie rooster crazy i know) crowing multiple times, and he can even walk up stairs, and will gladly do so! He likes running around in the grass, which he can't do in his coop because the grass won't grow (guess who's fault that is ). Anyway, I definitely recommend getting one if you have a tame chicken.

If I can get it to work, I'll upload videos.

You have to create a YouTube account & post them there. Then copy & paste the link for each video.

 

[Rose the Legbar]

Harness training isn’t very easy. Some birds won’t be good with it while others are fine with a harness on. Make sure to give plenty of treats while getting the harness on and after. The first day make sure it is very loose so they don’t feel constricted. For the first few days you are trying it on, only keep the harness on for a few minutes before taking it off. Then keep lengthening the time the harness is on. If your chicken struggles to get out of it, take it off as soon as you can.

Also, what kind of harness do you have? There are multiple harnesses marketed to chickens (on Amazon) that are not the best. A lot of Amazon harnesses have a large front fabric piece that when put on, can squish the crop in an uncomfortable way.

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

I'm curious, do you actually take it out for walks, like a doggo?

Oh yes, very often! Once a day at least. Much more than my doggo, who just runs around instead of being walked.

how long can they walk for?

As long as they want to! I mostly just follow him around, but sometimes I have to lead the way. He's still being trained though : P

are their any issues to watch out for on walks e.g. do they get scared more easily etc?

No, not particularly. It's just as calm as it would be, though a bit wary bc I'm around. The only issue might be if there are other animals like dogs. Then you'd have to be a bit careful.

I'm so curious!

That's awesome! I can post some instructions on how I trained him if you'd like?

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

Yeah, I've had a few comments about worries.

Harness training isn’t very easy. Some birds won’t be good with it while others are fine with a harness on. Make sure to give plenty of treats while getting the harness on and after. The first day make sure it is very loose so they don’t feel constricted. For the first few days you are trying it on, only keep the harness on for a few minutes before taking it off. Then keep lengthening the time the harness is on.

I've already essentially trained him. He's good.

Also, what kind of harness do you have? There are multiple harnesses marketed to chickens (on Amazon) that are not the best. A lot of Amazon harnesses have a large front fabric piece that when put on, can squish the crop in an uncomfortable way.

Yeah but mine goes under where the crop is for some reason? Anyway it's good.

Harnesses like those I wouldn’t personally recommend as it has no room for the crop if it is full. I personally use an Aviator bird harness. It is a bit pricy but it allows the crop to be full and it not interfere with it.

Seems like a good brand. But mine works, and I'll stick with it.

Thank you @Rose the Legbar for sharing the info! It will help anyone who wants to try this. But my harness is safe for the rooster, not squishing the crop, and seems to be comfy. And yes, I checked.

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

Apologies thought I replied, yes very keen for instructions!

Sorry! I was off for a while.
I started with putting him in the harness very loosely and bribing him with scratch and mealworms to walk around. After this I just did it more and more for longer and longer and only gave treats after we were done walking. He's really well trained now!

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

View attachment 3718051

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I can't do that either :\

Is it an issue with the uploading process? If so, what is your file's name? You might be able to upload it onto the Gallery on here, depending on the file's name as well.

 

[Teesh12]

I recently got a chicken harness! I fully suggest anyone with nice chickens gets one, as they are SUPER fun. I took some videos, but I can't post them. It won't let me
Anyway, I caught him (my white satin non-bearded silkie rooster crazy i know) crowing multiple times, and he can even walk up stairs, and will gladly do so! He likes running around in the grass, which he can't do in his coop because the grass won't grow (guess who's fault that is ). Anyway, I definitely recommend getting one if you have a tame chicken.

If I can get it to work, I'll upload videos.

This is so interesting! I suspect my chickens will be quite nice as they are a docile breed to begin with and seem very friendly through chick rearing. I'm curious, do you actually take it out for walks, like a doggo? how long can they walk for? are their any issues to watch out for on walks e.g. do they get scared more easily etc? I'm so curious!