Is it normal for "nice" pullets to peck at me??

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I know this is a bit off topic from the original thread, but I have a question regarding these pullets: How do I make them ok with being picked up off the ground? They will jump onto my lap (as you know), but if I try to pick them up off the ground, they freak out and act like I'm trying to kill them. I don't pick them up unless I need to, which is every night to put them in their coop, since they try to sleep in the tree. I don't think they are scared of me since they run up to me whenever I enter the run AND they jump onto me any chance they get; they just freak out every time I try to pick them up. My Dark Brahma is still pretty good about being picked up; she doesn't run or struggle, but sometimes she squeaks when I pick her up.

Also, this is really random, but are they old enough to clip their wings? They are about 10wks old (2mo).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Chickens are prey animals. As such, they are hard-wired to resist being picked up, as anything that does so in nature, only does so with the intention of eating them. So when you pick them up, or try to, you take on the role of a predator.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Chickens are prey animals. As such, they are hard-wired to resist being picked up, as anything that does so in nature, only does so with the intention of eating them. So when you pick them up, or try to, you take on the role of a predator.

hmm, that makes sense. Is there any way to limit how scared they get?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

And yes, you can clip the flight feathers of one or both wings. Many of us find that once they start flying enough to get into trouble, it's time. And by clipping only one wing, it puts them off balance and is effective for keeping them where they belong.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

hmm, that makes sense. Is there any way to limit how scared they get?

I guess if you throw a towel over their head, that might help, so they can't see.

 

[saysfaa]

You might try calling them or herding them into the coop a little before they head for the tree for the night. Calling works best using food motivation. Herding them in works best if you go very slowly and just gently press at the pivot point (the point between when they don't move away and when they hurry away). Two pool noodles or sticks with flags to extend your reach helps a lot. Don't wave the arm extenders, you are trying to NOT chase them.

You might also look closely at your coop - if it is cramped, hot, stuffy, etc, you might be able to make it more inviting. By itself, this probably won't make much difference since chickens hate change so much. It may make quite a lot of difference after they get used to being called into the coop late in the day.

 

[Bsmac]

I was going to say if you do, stop. But since you don't, then I would advise you to just stop letting them jump on you and letting them near your face. They can do you serious and positive harm. Wear safety glasses while you teach them to stay off you. This is a bad and dangerous habit.

Yes! Be very careful around your eyes with them! I got pecked in the eye once. My whole eye was bright red. I should have gone to the dr. But I didn`t. It could have been much worse than it was!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Chickens peck at bright, shiny things, and things that move. That's why your lips and eyes are especially at risk if you let them near your face.