Trying not to wake a sleeping flock

[Dinosaur Village Keeper]

Can someone please explain how to care for your flock at night? As soon as it’s dark and I open the door, they all start yelling. When I try to pick one up, feathers start flying and they scream louder. I don’t think my chickens sleep. One of them has scaly leg mites REALLY bad and I want to get them all treated but have not been able to. Also, I don’t have anyone to help me, so any suggestions for a solo job would be so appreciated. I can afford to pay someone to help me. Any ideas on where to find someone? I probably can’t afford to take all 10 to the vet!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you turn on a light when you go into the coop at night? It is easier to wear a head lamp but position the lamp so it doesn’t shine on any chickens.
For scaly leg mites, have you done any treatments? Applying Vaseline or giving them an epsom salt foot bath?

 

[Mrs. K]

When it is dark outside, with a very dim flashlight, is your best bet. I often will wear a thick sweatshirt, and then hold a towel in two hands, reach up and grab the bird, by wrapping it in the towel.

If it is just one bird you need to treat, wait till full dark, dim light, and once you have your bird, leave the coop, so you don't rile the rest of them.

Mrs k

 

[Dinosaur Village Keeper]

Do you turn on a light when you go into the coop at night? It is easier to wear a head lamp but position the lamp so it doesn’t shine on any chickens.
For scaly leg mites, have you done any treatments? Applying Vaseline or giving them an epsom salt foot bath?

I did bring a big flashlight out with me! I tried to treat them during the day with castor oil, but it was a nightmare. Some got a lot and some got none. They also have some black spots on their combs so I put vetrx on them. That really made them mad. I think they should all be treated because some have a bit of white on their legs, and some have the absolute tiniest bit of scales lifting. Most have some black spots on their combs. I have a Brahma that has been sitting on eggs for 5 days now! I think I got her feet good though the day before she started sitting. She is so gentle and sweet, but all the feathers were in the way!

 

[Dinosaur Village Keeper]

When it is dark outside, with a very dim flashlight, is your best bet. I often will wear a thick sweatshirt, and then hold a towel in two hands, reach up and grab the bird, by wrapping it in the towel.

If it is just one bird you need to treat, wait till full dark, dim light, and once you have your bird, leave the coop, so you don't rile the rest of them.

Mrs k

3 of them need it for sure. They are huge birds and they start rasping for air when I pick them up. One gurgles for 3 days after being held. I should probably have them put down. They were defective birds that I got as adults. My babies are 1 yr old and I can hold them and I am in love with them! But they still won’t easily let me mess with their feet or combs! Will your method also work on the rooster? He’s 9 months old and so far very gentle, but I’m kind of afraid with him because he’s really big and I once had a mean rooster. Also, should I bring the one I grab in the house and into the light, or try to treat in the dark outside?

 

[MGChickenRanch]

I did bring a big flashlight out with me! I tried to treat them during the day with castor oil, but it was a nightmare. Some got a lot and some got none. They also have some black spots on their combs so I put vetrx on them. That really made them mad. I think they should all be treated because some have a bit of white on their legs, and some have the absolute tiniest bit of scales lifting. Most have some black spots on their combs. I have a Brahma that has been sitting on eggs for 5 days now! I think I got her feet good though the day before she started sitting. She is so gentle and sweet, but all the feathers were in the way!

I have a big one year old rooster that had ringworm (favus) on his comb and wattles that I had to treat daily. He can sometimes be an aggressive boy during the day so to treat him l would go in after dark using only the red light on my headlamp. He sees me but lets me pick him up and rub antifungal cream on him without a peep. I think the red light is key; they don’t fully wake up.

 

[Dinosaur Village Keeper]

I have a big one year old rooster that had ringworm (favus) on his comb and wattles that I had to treat daily. He can sometimes be an aggressive boy during the day so to treat him l would go in after dark using only the red light on my headlamp. He sees me but lets me pick him up and rub antifungal cream on him without a peep. I think the red light is key; they don’t fully wake up.

I forgot to update... I tried going out with the red light as quiet as could be, and they still woke up and the whole flock was screaming and trying to get away from me. My chickens don’t sleep!

 

[aart]

I forgot to update... I tried going out with the red light as quiet as could be, and they still woke up and the whole flock was screaming and trying to get away from me. My chickens don’t sleep!

They need to get used to you being in there at night.
I go in every night just after dark to do a head count and lock up.
I wear a headlight, pointed up so I can see but it doesn't light a path for them run off, so I have both hands free.
Pick them up, hands around body and both wings.
Just hold long enough for them to learn they won't die when this happens.
Maybe only do a couple birds a night at first.
It takes time and patience, you must remain calm and talk in a calm voice.
Once they are used to this it becomes much easier to handle them for night exams/treatments.