Holding a layer - does that affect production?

[henryclay1991]

Just wondering, in general, if a hen is caught and held (typically hand-fed a treat and petted), will that negatively affect egg laying?

We've got a bunch of 5-week-olds and were discussing them with some of our relatives who grew up on the farm at Christmas Eve dinner. They said that once hens started laying, it's best to leave them be or they can quit laying. Could it be that farm chickens aren't as tame and used to interaction with people as backyard chickens?

I know we've got a long time before they start laying, but if we need to leave them be once they grow up, we'll need to start mentally preparing ourselves now.

Thoughts?

 

[Laskaland]

Quote:
First::

Happy chickens lay high quality (and quantity) eggs. If they like being held and loved on- go for it!!! It's a biological thing. If their needs are being met, they will lay eggs. They will let you know if they like being held or not...
Christina

 

[Chick_a_dee]

I don't think it affects them. I've picked mine up, held them, put vaseline on their combs, and I'm getting 9 eggs a day right now out of 15 chickens and they just started laying beginning of last week.

 

[danischi24]

The only thing that may affect egg production with regards to handling is extreme stress. If they are constantly being harassed by kids grabbing & chasing them or stressed out some other way, their egg production may drop. If they are happy, they will lay. Farm chickens often aren't handled & if they get manhandled all of a sudden, it may cause stress.

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Yep, that's what I was going to say. I don't handle any of the girls who get stressed out from contact. Such as the leghorns and productio birds. However, I won't hesitate to snatch up any of the silly "lap" birds who could care less that they are all the sudden 4 feet in the air.

 

[digitS']

We heard lots of things like this as kids growing up on a farm.

But, I agree - stress.

Steve
Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

[LynneP]

Mine are used to being picked up so when I must, and I'm gentle, they cooperate and a few enjoy the attention. I would think it's like anything else having to do with animals- of gentled and handled carefully you're in a good place with them. I'm getting 11-12 eggs a day from 12, so it must not be a factor with mine.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

goodness I hope not or Audrey will never lay!

She comes running up to the fence the minute she hears us. I open the coop door in the morning and she is at my feet hopping up and down til I pick her silly self up and give her some love.