Holding chickens - training and technique advice

[azygous]

Trying to pet chickens on their backs as you would a cat or dog is a mistake lots of people make, and then they get frustrated their chickens appear to hate them and fear them.

The best way to handle a chicken is to cradle them with their head tucked slightly under your arm. They adore that. Or if you are kneeling on the ground, chickens, hens mostly, will love to tuck their heads in your crotch. For some reason, they find this extremely comforting. I have a hen who hates to be touched, but she will follow me around the run, pecking on the back of my leg, and when I finally kneel down, she jams herself into my crotch where she will remain until I get up and move on about my chores. Often one or two other hens will join her between my legs.

Another thing they all love is to have their cheeks stroked, and under their chin and breast.

Most chickens will respond to your sitting calmly on the ground. They will come in close and maybe climb into your lap. I have another old hen who detests being touched, but she adores sitting on my legs. That's as close to true love as she's gotten in her eight years as my chicken.

 

[ChickensAndMe]

Oh wow, that's so interesting about how others do it...

I petted them on the backs because it was recommended somewhere on a post here and also on some YouTube videos... The idea was to "press gently on the backs" to mimic a rooster and thus the hen would sit down in submission, and then pick her up.

At any rate, that isn't working for me so I have gone back to what works the most, which is as the last post suggests, to simply sit quietly and enjoy them coming close, and to stroke them on the chest. I'll try to see if they like their heads being tucked in but haven't found that yet.

I tried picking one up yesterday and she flapped so hard, I was worried I had hurt her. When I got those wings pinned down, she settled okay. But it's quite anxiety-provoking for both of us ( I might go back to trying with the gentlest one.

Argh!

 

[aart]

Oh wow, that's so interesting about how others do it...

I petted them on the backs because it was recommended somewhere on a post here and also on some YouTube videos... The idea was to "press gently on the backs" to mimic a rooster and thus the hen would sit down in submission, and then pick her up.

At any rate, that isn't working for me so I have gone back to what works the most, which is as the last post suggests, to simply sit quietly and enjoy them coming close, and to stroke them on the chest. I'll try to see if they like their heads being tucked in but haven't found that yet.

I tried picking one up yesterday and she flapped so hard, I was worried I had hurt her. When I got those wings pinned down, she settled okay. But it's quite anxiety-provoking for both of us

( I might go back to trying with the gentlest one.

Argh!

That they'll let you touch their chests while free is pretty good step..most mine own't tolerate it.

Pinning the wings calms both bird and keeper(probably keeper more).
I pick them with both hands to keep those wings down right off the bat,
then to football hold so wings are still contained but I have one hand free.

Touching back to capture or dominate is one thing, and it works,
but to 'pet' them so they enjoy it, stroking the face or neck is better I think.

It takes some practice, and repetition, you'll get better at it and everyone will get used to it.

Really depends on your goals...think about why you want to hold/touch them.

 

[CharB]

If they like your lap that's a good start. I have five. I would sit and offer treats like cut up grapes and several learned to jump in my lap to get more grapes. One eventually learned on her own to jump on my back and shoulder for one-on-one attention before I could sit down. That was about 10 to 12 weeks old. None were excited about being held, however.

I used this time to observe them closely and socialize. It offered opportunities to handle them periodically so we all could get used to the idea. My first chickens also. I knew I had to be able to catch them when needed and resigned myself to the fact they wouldn't be cuddlers.

Like someone else said, they all have individual personalities. Nine months old and my Speckled Sussex still likes to sit on my shoulder and has gotten accustomed to being held - likes chest massage. They are curious about eyes so I put my readers on to see them better and it works as safety glasses lol.

Once they started laying I took advantage of the submissive squat to pick up with both hands holding wings down. The Australorp that is lead hen loves having her neck massaged. She closes her eyes and coos. She now sits next to me on an old garden bench. In fact, 2 or 3 will sit around me to visit even once they know I have no treats but she likes to be stroked and on the back. So I do have a couple of sweeties and so pleased. Best reward ever!

There is one who still avoids any contact no matter what I try except taking treats out my hand (as far back as she can). She's a big girl too. A Buff Brahma who has yet to do the squat. But I now have the confidence in handling her when needed and that's what matters most!

Keep at it and be patient. You too will have some special friends! Now I must go hug a chicken.

 

[ChickensAndMe]

Just a quick update...

I am pleased to say I have found the technique which is working best, thanks to all the advice - sliding my hand under, securing feet and then containing under my arm, football style.

The question of why to pick them up... Well, I have been thinking about this and my chickens then presented me with an opportunity recently when they were in "out-of-bounds" area and I had to round them up and pick them up. I guess that's why you need to practice! Pleased to say, all went well.

I also realised then the value of gaining trust as essential to picking them up, because they didn't run away from me. One of them I didn't even need to pick up - Ethel simply hopped onto the stick that I carry (we used it for perching practice when they were little and they like the stick.)

So all is well, this chicken momma is feeling more confident!

 

[ChickensAndMe]

Quick hello to CharB

Thanks for sharing the stories of your chicken cuddles... So wonderful. Made me smile.

Yes indeed for me too, these three little birds in my backyard have stolen my heart.

The best moments are when they come to you of their own free will and want to be with you.

Thanks

 

[aart]

Just a quick update...

I am pleased to say I have found the technique which is working best, thanks to all the advice - sliding my hand under, securing feet and then containing under my arm, football style.

The question of why to pick them up... Well, I have been thinking about this and my chickens then presented me with an opportunity recently when they were in "out-of-bounds" area and I had to round them up and pick them up. I guess that's why you need to practice! Pleased to say, all went well.

I also realised then the value of gaining trust as essential to picking them up, because they didn't run away from me. One of them I didn't even need to pick up - Ethel simply hopped onto the stick that I carry (we used it for perching practice when they were little and they like the stick.)

So all is well, this chicken momma is feeling more confident!

Exactly!
Glad your gaining confidence as a chicken keeper, it's an important attribute that will serve you well in many ways with your birds..