How to get my hens used to me picking them up?

[Annalyse]

My girls and 1 rooster are 10 almost 11 weeks and some of them either run away because they know I'm going to pick them up or when I do pick them up they flap there wings an I let go. I usually think I have a grip on them but Then they get out and when other people hold them they don't try and get out. Do they not like me holding/picking them up or am I not doing it right? If I'm not doing it right can someone give me tips or something? Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

When you grab a chicken their instincts are to fight and struggle. Predators grab chickens.

With time they may relax more, but most will continue to struggle, at least initially.

 

[RobertaD1]

When you go to handle them, do you encase their entire body with your hands? Wings included? As in, thumbs along the top over backbone, hand covering gentle over the wing until your fingertips go around the breast? And if you do... do you, and dont think in trying to be ridiculous... but do you handle them gently but with conference? They know if you are afraid....

 

[RobertaD1]

I realize there are other ways to handle them, but this way give you confidence for other ways.

 

[Annalyse]

When you go to handle them, do you encase their entire body with your hands? Wings included? As in, thumbs along the top over backbone, hand covering gentle over the wing until your fingertips go around the breast? And if you do... do you, and dont think in trying to be ridiculous... but do you handle them gently but with conference? They know if you are afraid....

I make sure I'm covering their wing but never put my thumbs on there backbone and I handle them gentle but not too gentle. I also don't have them that close to my body which I should start going because that's how they're getting away. Also, should I put them down is they start flapping her wins a lot?

 

[RobertaD1]

You dont have to put you thumbs directly on their backbone but just so their wings are covered. Bring them close to you also
.. that will help think of a cradle football carry... with one wing securely tucked in next to me... I will support them with my left hand(I'm right handed), and hold them in place securing the left wing. That leaves my right hand free to pet and talk and make noises If they begin to flap... and they will, until they trust you.. and sometimes still will flap.... run your right hand gently over their right wing to hold it in place... hopefully the left one is still in place. Gently set them back down. If possible, dont let them flap too awful much, they could get injured. You need to keep trying though . It builds confidence in not only you, but also the bird.

 

[Annalyse]

You dont have to put you thumbs directly on their backbone but just so their wings are covered. Bring them close to you also
.. that will help think of a cradle football carry... with one wind securely tucked in next to me... I will support them with my left hand(I'm right handed), and hold them in place securing the left wing. That leaves my right hand free to pet and talk and make noises If they begin to flap... and they will, until they trust you.. and sometimes still will flap.... run your right hand gently over their right wing to hold it in place... hopefully the left one is still in place. Gently set them back down. If possible, dont let them flap too awful much, they could get injured. You need to keep trying though . It builds confidence in not only you, but also the bird.

thank you and yes I do cradle them sometimes when they let me hold them. My rooster doesn't flap when I pick him up and I also cradle him a lot because he is a brat sometimes and doesn't like when the other hens see me holding him. He makes noises though like I'm hurting him I'm not. Also is it normal for them to run away from you when they know you're going to pick them up?

 

[RobertaD1]

Just dont panic If they get away... try again tomorrow! They need to know they may not like it, but they have to trust you. You are their vet as well as keeper, and there are some VERY ugly places you may need to put you fingers to examine them. They will need to know you are a friend!

 

[RobertaD1]

Heavens yes they will run if they think you are That's their nature. But, fake them out a little. Just pet for a while.... then, when one least expects it, gently grab her. Oh she'll throw a fuss.... but, just talk calmly to her! We do it all the time. I'll put a little feed on the toes of my shoes.... that brings them in for the petting.

 

[Annalyse]

Heavens yes they will run if they think you are That's their nature. But, fake them out a little. Just pet for a while.... then, when one least expects it, gently grab her. Oh she'll throw a fuss.... but, just talk calmly to her! We do it all the time. I'll put a little feed on the toes of my shoes.... that brings them in for the petting.

thank you and I sometimes chase her because she needs to get in the coop. its also because I might be in a mood and don't want to have her trying to escape lol. but its mostly my 2 Plymouth that runs away the others do but I'm able to catch them. My Buff makes weird noises and screams when I pick her up so I don't know what to do with that.