- Jun 16, 2013
- 187
- 13
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I don't understand "the net to get them" reference. I let them out of the tractor for supervised romp time where they fly around and play and explore a while under my watchful eye and have to at some point get them back into the tractor. At that time the resistant birds start evading and avoiding my gentle coaxing and herding and a stick comes in handy because it is longer than my arm and blocks off their evade move further and quicker than I could just using my legs arms and sounds. I have once of twice thought of using a net but that was also a thought for catching grasshoppers for them more than getting them back in their tractor but there is a Langshan or two that eventually may need a net if they get any better at dodging my efforts to herd them into their tractor. Why would a net be a shameful thing to use on a chicken?I have four black jersey giant hens that are seven months. I have had them for a month. Sadly the fella I got them from "had a farm background" and treated them like meat birds. I was horrified by his use of a net to "get them". Awful really. This leads me to the problem. I let them free range in our 1/2 acre back yard and they have a large converted shed for a coop. They are sweet girls and put themselves to bed every night like good little chooks should. BUT they won't let you get near them. 4 feet away at all times. And who could blame them, I'm sure they are worried that there will be a net waiting for them if they get close.
I love chickens and I want them to love me, but really these girls have no interest in bonding. I pet them every night when I lock them in (and I have been pecked for doing it). Any suggestions? They won't come near us, not if we have treats, not if we're bringing feed nothing that for me is "normal" chicken behavior.
Also I am getting four polish standards that are 61/2 months and I was worried that they will see the behavior of the jersey's and mimic the choice to be four feet away. (they literally will run to the other side of the yard if you walk toward them).