Potty Training Chickens, How-to!

[ChicksNherps]

I will have to try this with my silkie. She lives in the house and has run of the place, though she will mainly stay in her bed in her kennel (I don't blame her, it's one of those extra stuffed cat beds

), I put a diaper on her when I get sick of picking up her poop, like now as I am typing

She's perched on the back of the couch sharing some baked potatoes with cheese and sour cream. Only problem is I am gone for a good chunk of the day so it may take a while. Could she use the same litter box as my cats?

 

[delspaco]

I think this is a great idea, and as I dont have as much time, I will probably go with the chicken diapers, and let my favorite hen wander in and out daily, and still sleep in the outside coop, she is sooo sweet a Buff Orpington, just a doll, her name is Hildegard, and she already thinks she is a human! Thanks for the tips!

 

[Dotshines]

wow this is great. I had a friend who had a pet chicken who would always go on paper. While moving they left her in the truck and forgot to put paper down, in the morning when they opened the door she jumped out and when potty. She did not potty in the truck the whole night. So I know that they can be trained. Can't wait to try this.

 

[JohannBawk]

After they are trained do they go to the designated area on their on ?Or do you have to prompt them to go each time?

I am intrested in teaching a chicken to open a varmit proof nesting box So they can safely free range nest.
Perhaps by pecking a code in or a colored spot. On several ocasions i have noticed roosters showing the hens where to nest.
Is this a common observance among chicken watchers?

If the training doesn't work out, I have heard of people using RFID pet doors to only let their chickens through. They'd have to wear a tag, though.

http://www.petdoors.com/cat-mate-305-306-and-wall-liner-kit.html
http://tweetingcatdoor.com

 

[Ellieloo]

What happens if the chicken is in a different room to where it has been told to poo will go to the original place?

 

[ChicksNherps]

I can not get my silkie potty trained

Every time I bring her to the litter box, she won't poop, and then she poops as soon as I put her back...

 

[Karamel Bunnie]

I have chickens as pets they are lil now and when they get bigger I want them potty trained because I dont want them to go out side unless they are playing but I dont want them to run off I think that I have two roosters can I still keep them in the house an what happens if I keep them with the other 3 hens

 

[Rykel]

this is so awesome! i think i will train one of my girls

but i would be afraid that i might take advantage if i ever get a boyfriend i can't stand.

 

[Peachesneggs]

I have a chick that was injured in the brooder at 8 weeks. She exhibited signs of a slipped tendon, but maybe it was really just strained. No sign of injury like swelling. She just could not stay upright or walk. I brought her in and put her in a tote in a bedroom. She is doing better. She can walk pretty well and stand again. She still seems just a little weak. I think I'll keep her in for a bit longer before I put her back out with the wild girls. Not exactly wild, but too busy and active for her.

It dawned on me that she might be a prime candidate for a house chicken. My husband will be thrilled! NOT! Any future articles you have on the subject would be fabulous! Pictures or videos if you have them would be a great addition. Have you actually done this? Are you currently doing it? Pics or videos of your chicken and her activity around the house would be helpful!

 

[Chrischik]

Wow, thank you, YES please keep writing about keeping house chickens; my husband and I just raised our first flock from chicks, and he's become attached to one rooster, who is also incredbly affectionate w/ us, and we want to hang out w/ him! I have been loking into the "trend", only to find out that contry folk have been keeping 'pet' chickes as treasured family members for a long time...makes us feel (slightly) less crazy about considering it!
What are your feelings on chicken diapers? I hate the idea, but love the litter-training idea. Thoughts?