- Jan 7, 2013
- 24
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I acquired my 7 and 8 month old hens about 3 weeks ago from a guy who just likes to raise chicks but doesn't like messing with chickens. I suppose he's like me and felines...I like kittens but I don't like cats!
Anyway, the young adult birds were kept in a very nice large coop and enclosed run; but other than feeding and watering times, had very little interaction with their owner. Naturally, it was a bit of a chore to catch them when I selected them out of his flock and now that they're at my house, they shy away whenever I'm around them.
Admittedly, these girls are not pets; they're livestock with an egg laying responsibility. They won't be sitting in my lap, walking through the living room wear a diaper or anything like that, but I understand the need to check them for pests or injuries regularly as part of my responsible animal ownership and I want to do that.
I was able to pet one that happened to be in the nesting box while I was checking for eggs one day...for just an instant..before she hopped out...but overall...they're not interested in having ANY interaction with me! Noooo thank you! To them, I am the Bringer of Food and Water and She That Opens and Closes The Coop Door. That's it!
Is there anything I can do to encourage that or will it always be this way?
Thanks!
Anyway, the young adult birds were kept in a very nice large coop and enclosed run; but other than feeding and watering times, had very little interaction with their owner. Naturally, it was a bit of a chore to catch them when I selected them out of his flock and now that they're at my house, they shy away whenever I'm around them.
Admittedly, these girls are not pets; they're livestock with an egg laying responsibility. They won't be sitting in my lap, walking through the living room wear a diaper or anything like that, but I understand the need to check them for pests or injuries regularly as part of my responsible animal ownership and I want to do that.
I was able to pet one that happened to be in the nesting box while I was checking for eggs one day...for just an instant..before she hopped out...but overall...they're not interested in having ANY interaction with me! Noooo thank you! To them, I am the Bringer of Food and Water and She That Opens and Closes The Coop Door. That's it!
Is there anything I can do to encourage that or will it always be this way?
Thanks!