Irrationally Upset with Chickens

[Loving my girls]

I got mine pretty well trained to come on demand, I shout “Girls, Girls, Girls” and they all come running. Of course treats are usually their reward but it is useful in many ways.

I used to call their names but it became too complicated when I added more hens to the flock.

When a friend came over and needed to call them and it was persisting down with heavy rain she called “bloody chickens, bloody chickens, bloody chickens” and they all came running

 

[jupitereyes]

I got mine pretty well trained to come on demand, I shout “Girls, Girls, Girls” and they all come running. Of course treats are usually their reward but it is useful in many ways.

I used to call their names but it became too complicated when I added more hens to the flock.

When a friend came over and needed to call them and it was persisting down with heavy rain she called “bloody chickens, bloody chickens, bloody chickens” and they all came running

That's too funny!! Training begins today!

 

[SourRoses]

I got mine pretty well trained to come on demand, I shout “Girls, Girls, Girls” and they all come running. Of course treats are usually their reward but it is useful in many ways.

I used to call their names but it became too complicated when I added more hens to the flock.

When a friend came over and needed to call them and it was persisting down with heavy rain she called “bloody chickens, bloody chickens, bloody chickens” and they all came running

My problem with the recall possibility is I have some hens who already beg shamelessly for treats, and whine at me through the gate (despite the fact we rarely give goodies).
I can't do anything outside without Susie giving me the laser eyeballs, and she's always trying to trip me. At one point she decided she deserved a superior roosting location and was flying up on our outdoor table and staring at me intently through the window until she nodded off to sleep. I had to put her to bed every night for 3 months before she resigned herself to the coop again. I think her previous home spoiled her rotten, lol.
Just think if all my chickens were staring in the window...

 

[igorsMistress]

I understand your frustration. Nothing wrong with leaving them out there. They’d find shelter when the storm arrived. They don’t understand that you’re worried for their safety, chickens know what to do and have been taking care of themselves long before humans intervened.

My ducks don’t go in when it rains, they play in the puddles.

 

[Bawkbok]

Does anyone have suggestions for training recall other than with treats? I dole out too many treats throughout the day to get them back. Granted it works every time but it can't be healthy. I try to stick to the 'no more than 10% of their diet' rule, but without knowing specifically how much they actually eat of the feed, how much is 10% of the total? Makes my head hurt.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Does anyone have suggestions for training recall other than with treats? I dole out too many treats throughout the day to get them back. Granted it works every time but it can't be healthy. I try to stick to the 'no more than 10% of their diet' rule, but without knowing specifically how much they actually eat of the feed, how much is 10% of the total? Makes my head hurt.

Easy - don't give out ANY treats until it's time to come back.

As it's hard to calculate what the magic 10% would be, I'd say keep fatty treats like BOSS and dried mealworms to 1 Tbsp or less per bird a day. That's more than enough.

 

[Bawkbok]

That is the only time I give treats, is when I need them to return to the run. What is BOSS? They don't get mealworms everyday, I mix it up with other treats, some seeds, but not much. I'm feeling better about things, thought I was creating a problem. Thank you

 

[Evadig]

What is BOSS?

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds, I think .

 

[rosemarythyme]

That is the only time I give treats, is when I need them to return to the run. What is BOSS?

A little confused. You just said:

I dole out too many treats throughout the day to get them back.

and now you're saying it's only when they return to the run?

If it's the former then you have your solution. If it's the latter then there's no problem.

Also, BOSS = black oil sunflower seed

 

[Bawkbok]

Sorry for the confusion. It's late and been a long day. Too many treats, meaning, volume - throughout the day - meaning, when they free range and I need to return them to the run - could be twice, sometimes four times a day. Depends on my schedule and when the dog needs to potty. Lately, they follow me and they don't get anything so I hope their following me doesn't stop if I'm inconsistent with the treats. I don't know how chickens think.