How to Pick up Hens

[chuckachucka]

We’ve been working on this for a few weeks but still tend to Freeze with their wings slightly apart when I touch them or try to slowly stroke them.
I thought when they Froze it would make it easier but it just seems like they are startled and as soon as two hands get near them she’s off.

How old are they? Freezing with wings apart and bending down is squatting, a sign they are ready to lay.

 

[chuckachucka]

In general with chickens I have found they prefer to be approached from the front. If you reach for them from behind they associate that with being pecked or chased by fellow chickens. If you swoop in from above that triggers their instinctive fear of flying predators. The best way is to stoop low and calmly and slowly reach toward them, preferably with a treat in your hands.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Would you mean wings spread apparat,sounds like their squatting.Usually hens in lay will do this to be bred.

 

[Andylbc]

How old are they? Freezing with wings apart and bending down is squatting, a sign they are ready to lay.

They’re about 18 months and have been laying regularly for a while. It’s hard to explain when I mean freezing. They are not squatting just stop still with their wings away from the body but still folded

 

[Andylbc]

Would you mean wings spread apparat,sounds like their squatting.Usually hens in lay will do this to be bred.

Wings still folded just slightly away from their body but they don’t seem to be squatting down

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Hm,could you get a picture?

 

[Andylbc]

Hm,could you get a picture?

Probably

 

[chuckachucka]

Probably just a defensive thing. When an aerial potential predator passes low down chickens do a kind of hunkering down panic crouch thing. Sometimes accompanied by frantic turning on the spot. Your presence above is being felt as a threat unfortunately.

 

[alexa009]

Chickens are definitely are most docile at night. I have an easy time picking up my most skittish ones at night.

 

[ChickNanny13]

PATIENCE & MealWorms
Chicks I never grab, instead I scoop them up (middle & ring finger under them & between their legs) MW for hand training, move slow & patience.

Older ones basically the same ... MW to make them come to you. I put some in a plastic container, shaking before feeding them. That shaker will call them & they'll come running. Spend time in their enclosure sitting on a foot stool so not towering over them, shake the container, hand feed MWs which eventually I toss on the ground close to me cause they peck HARD. Takes some time but eventually they warm up and at my feet, no problem picking them up ... Although sometimes they do make me chase them

EDITED: Forgot to say, it does sound like the "Rooster Mount Stance" .... Pic