How do I tame my pullets?

[GrannyHeeney]

I have a big wooden box shelter in the ginormous playpen. When the girls began to realize that a square black bowl always means snacks, I started going to stand next to the box. Within 2 days, as long as I was holding the square black bowl, they'd flap up onto the box as soon as I'd enter the playpen. I've always been able to hand feed them (after all, they're Barred Rocks LOL), but I knew from their demeanor that trying to pet them while they're snacking would make them run away, so I've decided that petting during the day isn't necessary. I get my cuddle fix when they've started getting sleepy, when I pick them up to put them into the Iron Fortress for the night. I always refer to Hubby first in chicken psychology matters, as he has been a bird fanatic his entire life; he says most birds only tolerate being held and petted. The trust level with my girls is off the charts, and I can get my snuggles, wattle-tickles and ear-rubs at night; Scrambled likes it, but only briefly, and she'll let me know when she's had enough. Her "We're done here" involves flapping and this old lady can't hold onto a flapping chicken for very long. LOL

I wonder if their metabolism literally slows at dusk or something? Seems everyone says that if you're going to do something disagreeable--bathing, worming, etc.--it's best to do it in the evening when chickies slow down. Any comments?

 

[GrannyHeeney]

Ok guys I did what all you said and pretty sure they trust me even more I put one of the pullets in my lap and she sat there for about thirty seconds in her own will. And plus the roo was on my stomach for a good bit too getting better with them! Here’s pictures ( the rooster would stand on my leg and eat from the feeder LOL) reply with your thoughts and opinions and more helpful tips View attachment 1443051View attachment 1443052 View attachment 1443055View attachment 1443056 View attachment 1443057View attachment 1443058 View attachment 1443059View attachment 1443060 View attachment 1443061View attachment 1443062 View attachment 1443063View attachment 1443065

SQUEEEE! #ThisIsWhyWeDoThis

 

[leighks]

I have a big wooden box shelter in the ginormous playpen. When the girls began to realize that a square black bowl always means snacks, I started going to stand next to the box. Within 2 days, as long as I was holding the square black bowl, they'd flap up onto the box as soon as I'd enter the playpen. I've always been able to hand feed them (after all, they're Barred Rocks LOL), but I knew from their demeanor that trying to pet them while they're snacking would make them run away, so I've decided that petting during the day isn't necessary. I get my cuddle fix when they've started getting sleepy, when I pick them up to put them into the Iron Fortress for the night. I always refer to Hubby first in chicken psychology matters, as he has been a bird fanatic his entire life; he says most birds only tolerate being held and petted. The trust level with my girls is off the charts, and I can get my snuggles, wattle-tickles and ear-rubs at night; Scrambled likes it, but only briefly, and she'll let me know when she's had enough. Her "We're done here" involves flapping and this old lady can't hold onto a flapping chicken for very long. LOL

I wonder if their metabolism literally slows at dusk or something? Seems everyone says that if you're going to do something disagreeable--bathing, worming, etc.--it's best to do it in the evening when chickies slow down. Any comments?

If I have to do things they don’t like- changing saddles, trimming nails, mini health exams- I always do it at dusk/ dark and have a flashlight. They don’t struggle much when they can’t see haha.