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TT4059
Chirping
- Jul 19, 2021
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4 of the 5 are Silkie chicks. Should I bathe them? If so how often? Should I also bathe the 5th chick? It is a Lafleche/black mottled d’uccle cross.
Breeds, too. Some are easier to tame than others. I have two generations of Orpingtons and all of them are tame and friendly, and can be picked up and held. I also have Barnevelders, raised with them in the same way, but they do not want to be touched or picked up. I still call them lap chickens, because they’ll hop in my lap or on my shoulder and stay there, keeping me company, just as long as I don’t touch them. Their breeder was very surprised when I told her, said that hers won’t even let her get close. So handling mine extensively from hatch certainly helped socialize them. It’s just that the result of my efforts looks different with the two breeds. One likes/tolerates touch and handling, while the other climbs on me more and initiates contact without me touching. Each is friendly and social with me in their own way.A lot of it has to do with individual birds personalities.
That is how my babies are…my Lavender Orps were snugglers that will let me and my kids hold them, pet them, feed them…and they love people. My Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are very friendly and sweet, but not interested in being held or pet. They let you if they must, but would rather visit and sit with me then have me hug or touch them. They’ve all been raised from tiny chicks and totally want different types of attention. I have some new chicks and one of them loves to come sit on my shoulder and another will sit in my lap and let me pet her…most of the rest only come when I have treats haha. All different but wonderful!Breeds, too. Some are easier to tame than others. I have two generations of Orpingtons and all of them are tame and friendly, and can be picked up and held. I also have Barnevelders, raised with them in the same way, but they do not want to be touched or picked up. I still call them lap chickens, because they’ll hop in my lap or on my shoulder and stay there, keeping me company, just as long as I don’t touch them. Their breeder was very surprised when I told her, said that hers won’t even let her get close. So handling mine extensively from hatch certainly helped socialize them. It’s just that the result of my efforts looks different with the two breeds. One likes/tolerates touch and handling, while the other climbs on me more and initiates contact without me touching. Each is friendly and social with me in their own way.
Here are some of mine snuggling as babies:
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And older:
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They like taking naps in my lap:
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Cuddly adult Orp:
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One of the touch-averse but still friendly Barnevelders, who likes hanging out in my lap or on my shoulder:
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I think that holding them, gently petting them and making them feel comfortable in your hand is a great thing. I have a special ISA 2 week old that loves for me to hold her. Just like any baby animal, foals, calves, etc., the more they associate you with something nice, and the earlier you start, makes it sooo less stressful for all involved.Why do you need to bathe them?
My chicks are handled whenever I want, broody chicks, incubator chicks... I don’t really feed them from my hands, so they will stay on my hand to preen themselves and rest, but will want off once they are bored
I do have a satin that will sit in my lap forever, but I honestly don’t know how she got that way...
The d’uccle/d’uccle mixes I have right now have been the sweetest chicken ever. Just very very gentle souls...
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