Rustyswoman~ Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!
Atlchick~ Welcome Back!
I handle my birds ALOT.....mostly the roos and cockerels. I do this starting immediately after hatch, I do not have any mean roosters. I cannot tolerate an aggressive bird no matter what he may look like. Every night upon putting the chickens to bed, I randomly grab a rooster or cockerel, I will hold this roo or cockerel the entire time I am putting everyone else to bed. I tuck them up under my arm and walk around with them petting their necks and bodies. I treat them like I used to treat my horses and work with them so they are not scared of things. For example....if a particular roo doesn't like his comb and wattles messed with, well that is exactly what I will mess with the entire time I carry him around. I don't believe that chickens are stupid, in fact, I think they are quite inquisitive and curious, which in turn, IMO, curiosity and inquisitiveness leads to learning and trust.
I had one Splash Copper roo that would flog the water bucket, and only the water bucket as I was taking it out of the coop to water. If I sat the bucket down, he stopped. Immediately upon picking up the bucket again, he would charge. Now this might sound mean but I assure you he was not hurt in any disciplinary actions, however, it did mean more work for me, but was worth it. I would go in and get the bucket, let him flog the bucket on the way out of the coop, I would refill the bucket and head towards the coop where he could see me coming with it, yep sure enough just like ol' faithful, he would come charging at break neck speed, he would try to go thru the gate to get it lol, and just as fast the full bucket was emptied on him. After about a week of being drenched he finally got the point and stopped flogging the bucket. Silly bird.
Freckle Face Farm~ LOVE THE NEW HANDLE!!!!
Poularde~
from a fellow Washingtonian!
Berk~ I'm like you and love to see the backyards and the chickens together in photos.
