My NJ were wild at the beginning, too. However, I prefer to call them quick and alert. Their survival instincts are good. Their quickness is what Terry Ryan wants when she teaches because if the chickens don't present a challenge the trainers skills don't improve. I worked about a month at the farm introducing treats, getting them used to eating out of cups and eating out of cups that are being held by humans.. I also have Easter Eggers in the same coop and run because it is easy to tell the eggs apart and I learned by experience that they do tame down better when they are separated from other breeds. Most of them don't do well competing with other breeds for treats.
After working with them on the farm we spent three days handling them individually at the training center before the chicken camp started. By the time the camp started they were tame and they did a great job teaching the trainers. Some of the trainers had never touched a chicken and a couple of the trainers were afraid of chickens. At the end of the two day camp everyone had fallen in love with the cute little NJs and commented on what sweet birds they were and how beautiful they were. The camp was quite a success and Cold Nose College, in Murphy, NC, is planning another Terry Ryan Chicken Camp in March. This time for 5 days for return trainers with a 6th day before the regular camp for people that didn't get to attend a previous camp. I am looking forward to supplying the camp with Norwegian Jaerhons once again and working with some really great dog trainers.
