My roo Chickie comes when I call him but I have been talking to him and calling him by name since I found him and he was about 2 days old then. I believe chickens can be trained and are smarter than most give them credit for. It all depends on the environment they are raise and live in...just like for humans.
What did you do to train them to go to the coop on command - or to jump(!)?
We are first time chicken owners and continue to be amazed at what fun companions they are - and we thought it was all about the eggs.
I've been wondering if a few of mine don't maybe recognize their names.
I am loving all the ideas shared in this thread. I think the closest I can get to an ATV ride is one in our old red wagon - around the backyard - but I think I'll bring it out and see if we can't make some fun just the same.
What did you do to train them to go to the coop on command - or to jump(!)?
We are first time chicken owners and continue to be amazed at what fun companions they are - and we thought it was all about the eggs.
I've been wondering if a few of mine don't maybe recognize their names.
I am loving all the ideas shared in this thread. I think the closest I can get to an ATV ride is one in our old red wagon - around the backyard - but I think I'll bring it out and see if we can't make some fun just the same.
I just said coop every time they run to the coop. the jumping was easier ,though only 2 of my chickens do it, I just held a dandelion leaf over the head and they jumped for it now they can jump with out it.
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I second that! i call them "Chook! Chook! Chook!" when I bring them scratch. Calling them will bring them outside if they are in the coop, but if they are in the run and see me, they come running on their own.
Quote:
I second that! i call them "Chook! Chook! Chook!" when I bring them scratch. Calling them will bring them outside if they are in the coop, but if they are in the run and see me, they come running on their own.
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Sorry for the double post -- must have clicked twice
My daughter had a pet hen that would actually jump through a hula hoop and do different tricks for a treat so they are trainable. This little hen even liked to ride the mower with me. She trusted us completely.
The key with chickens is the same as all young -- the younger they are, the easier they are to train. Start when they are just hatched. Then be consistant. Go figure.