Is it safe to take my pet silkie to the park with horness?

[Chicklove4ever]

I wanted to take him for an adventure but dont want him to get stressed or catch anything im veary protective of him because he has my heart ❤

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change - sounds like a major stressor to me. Have you walked him around your yard in the harness ? There is also the possibility of exposure to disease and loose dogs.

 

[Chicklove4ever]

Chickens hate change - sounds like a major stressor to me. Have you walked him around your yard in the harness ? There is also the possibility of exposure to disease and loose dogs.

He is used to his horness and diapers i want to take him to this park were there are no dogs they have a side of the park were its gated assigned to dogs.I wouldnt let him go two feet from me in case i had to swoop him up anyways lol.Hes veary chill he probably would be in my lap or arms most of the time anyways. I think he would love it but my worry is him catching anything.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

As long as he is acclimated to the harness and used to going to places, I think it would be a great experience. I’ve had a house chickens that I took everywhere with me, he actually seemed to enjoy seeing new places and exploring.

On Instagram there’s an account called bluff the crossbeak, and they take him all over, he loves boating!

Of course the risk of exposure to disease or illness will always be there, so it is up to you.

 

[Kiki]

I wanted to take him for an adventure but dont want him to get stressed or catch anything im veary protective of him because he has my heart ❤

No.
The answer is no.

 

[centrarchid]

Below is an example where I did it with stag / cockerel rooster. I kept an eye and ear out for dogs and called him to me when they were encountered. He flew into hand when called.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/taking-a-chicken-for-a-walk.1328393/#post-21673842

Mine are display birds that need to be used to walking in strange places and interacting with public. The walk in the park concerned me only in terms of predators as no other poultry were present, wild or domestic.

During spring 2019 I had a chick / juvenile that went with me through a park in St. Louis, MO daily for the better part of two weeks. He also followed me about and came when called. When you take them to a new location where you are the only thing they know, then you will see a change in behavior few people see in chickens. He needs to be tame first.

 

[Vickischics]

I fear diseases and then your precious chicken is sick.
I would not chance taking any of my girls anywhere. They're not dogs.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I personally wouldn't. Mine free range and are with the entire flock, I wouldn't want them to start wondering off my property. I thought it was a nice idea but all I could think of was all the bad things that could happen, a dog running off leash toward you, the chaotic encounter, him flying away, or even a hawk or eagle, disease from geese or ducks in the area, I just couldn't stop thinking about all the bad things. I hope all goes well.

 

[centrarchid]

I personally wouldn't. Mine free range and are with the entire flock, I wouldn't want them to start wondering off my property. I thought it was a nice idea but all I could think of was all the bad things that could happen, a dog running off leash toward you, the chaotic encounter, him flying away, or even a hawk or eagle, disease from geese or ducks in the area, I just couldn't stop thinking about all the bad things. I hope all goes well.

Taking them off property does not promote wandering when returned home. Mine returned seamlessly to normal free-range activities after each trip. The games have are now penned singly, but they stay around when released.

 

[Folly's place]

Silkies can't really fly, unlike those game type birds, and so are much more at risk out there. Also, you can't really protect a small pet from those two big dogs who show up, except with something like bear spray.
I've seen the small dogs who actually survive attacks, and a couple of times, their owners after they themselves got out of the hospital.
Mary