My Chickens Don't Like Me!

[Mel'sChicks]

What do you use for treats? Isn't scratch just chicken food? Should I keep trying to pick them up, or just pet them? Also, the guy that I got them from said that bread was not good for them, is that true?

 

[Stormhorse23]

Bread is just fine as a treat. Just like with people, moderation is the key. I've found that cheerios are also an excellent treat.

 

[Freebie]

My golden comets hated me.... until I gave them watermelon twice. Now they come a running. It really is quite funny. The other day I boiled up some eggs for them, and my friend Mary was over with her dog. I took the eggs out and they come a running and the barn cats come a running.... There in the yard is the dog, chickens and cats all eating crumbled eggs. It was a site. I will have to get a picture if I ever do that again.

 

[TXmom]

Mel'sChicks :

What do you use for treats? Isn't scratch just chicken food? Should I keep trying to pick them up, or just pet them? Also, the guy that I got them from said that bread was not good for them, is that true ]

Scratch is a treat, not food. If they are laying age, you need layer food...I use Purina Layena, but there are many other brands. Scratch does not have enough protein, calcium or other nutrients for them to make eggs or be healthy. I only give them a couple handfuls of scratch a day, and that's for 14 chickens. Bread is also a treat, to be given in moderation just like scratch.

I hope you get eggs soon! My kids and I go to the coop about 10 times a day to collect eggs...it's fun and hasn't become a chore for us, yet

 

[MIKE555444]

Nice looking pullets

Only comment I would have at this point is that to many treats miay cause thm not to eat the layer feed that may restrict laying

 

[CallyB57]

Go pick them up right after they start to roost in the evening...they won't resist you in their sleepiness. Hold them a few minutes right up next to you with their little heads tucked under your chin and just talk to them or coo or something for a bit. They'll get used to you. I make it a point to pick up 8 or 10 of my cheekens every day and cuddle with them a few minutes. Sometimes they will try to just ride on my arm around the pen as I'm doing 'chores'. Mostly, they are all used to me picking them up now, and don't mind it. A couple aren't crazy about being picked up, but they don't put up too much of a fuss any more. As a matter of fact, they are so used to me showing up in the henhouse after 10:00 p.m. when they are REALLY out of it - I can shine a flashlight on them and they don't even open their eyes most of the time!

 

[cerealrock78]

don't get over yourself, it happens to me all the time. They come to me when I give them treats, and they like me so much that they can predict when to come. But one day when I am just holding something that they dislike, I get bummed. So I suggest that you shold give them good food such as corn for treats only.