How train chickens ..... Or how I trained mine

karlamaria

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So when I am home I let my chckens free range (in the backyard) usually from noon to nightfall so try have a great day foraging and roaming . Anyways I have the occasion to run to the store, or some where else and since I do not want my girls to end up on the end of a death march from neighborhood dogs I have to put them back in there Pen . There very tame, but when it comes to going back to the pen early there not to thrilled. Here is where the teaching comes in. I wanted my girls to associate following me into the pen when they hear me shake a pill bottle ( with 2 bee bee 's in it. I. Wanted them to hear the noise, and see the treat in my hand.... Well it works wonderfully, every time I shake that bottle they come running and head with me right into the pen. It works now with out the treats! It was so easy, shake shake shake and I'm now the pied piper of chickens lol. My camera is Aol, but I'm going to get a new one this coming week and post a video. I want you all to see how my girls come when I shake the bottle and follow me! It's adorable, but it's also wonderful to know they can learn and that I no longer have to chase them around to get them back in the pen if I need it right away. I. Can not wait to try this with the chicks and mama when there ready to go out in the yard! ( still in the eggs for a few days ) lol. Look for a video this next week if I can figure it all out posting it. If not lots of pictures !
 
Very cool. I am trying to do this with my chicks. They are approx 9-10 weeks old. they live in a chicken tractor with a small run. I have not let them out in the yard yet because we are still training. I use Here chick chick chick and lure them with food. for now it works sometimes and not others. I am trying to find some sort of treat they will like and come for but no luck so far. I might try your pill bottle bb idea!Chickens can be quite smart in some ways.
 
Very cool. I am trying to do this with my chicks. They are approx 9-10 weeks old. they live in a chicken tractor with a small run. I have not let them out in the yard yet because we are still training. I use Here chick chick chick and lure them with food. for now it works sometimes and not others. I am trying to find some sort of treat they will like and come for but no luck so far. I might try your pill bottle bb idea!Chickens can be quite smart in some ways.
I'm thinking it's the way it sounds to my chickens as its like an instant reflex to come as soon as I shake it. Like a dog whistle. It works well for me and makes it so much easier now. Today when it started to rain we wanted them in right away, shake shake and in they went. It will be fun training the little ones to when they arrive!
 
Yes, chickens are smart, as you have found out. Can't wait to see your video either!
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