What do you think?

[Delta2 23]

Is it possible for hens to imprint?

I got my chicken Feathers September last year, as a two week old chick. She wasn't very friendly towards me- she ran away from me whenever I went near and screamed bloody murder when I picked her up.

Now she is a twenty five week old hen and she follows me everywhere! Every time I come home I find those chickens waiting outside our door. This is very annoying as they poo all over the patio area and I have to clean it up. They can fly over the fence separating the house and first garden from the second garden, where they are meant to stay. Sometimes, I have just finished feeding them and I turn round to go back to the house and Feathers stops eating and follows me!

 

[#1California Chick]

I think it is most likely the feed and treats that make her follow you and for them to wait for you on the patio.

 

[Rainbowbirds-of-a-Feather]

I beleive it is because you are the provider, Roo sub. That's what roos do in my flock. they call any hen in the area and say in chicken talk, "Hey girls, Come I found something yummy!!!" That just means you are the king in the flock.

But I know where you were coming from. Clean up poo every time.......Yuck!!! But it is definately part of the job.

It makes good fertilizer...

 

[Delta2 23]

yeah. Well it's so hot over here all the plants and grass are dead anyway. I mostly use a spade and flick the poop onto the lawn.

 

[Bluedog420]

If you have chicken's, you Will have poop...lol...You could clip the wing's so they can't fly over the fence...That or poop?...That is what I do

 

[digitS']

See, with such a small flock - you have become a very important member, Rach.

With gaining some control over their flying over the fence, you should be able to add those Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks or Wyandottes. That may result in greater flock independence, poo-free patio, and a happy chicken-keeper.

. . . just trying to cause trouble or be helpful here (depending on how things work out

).

Steve

 

[Delta2 23]

THanks Steve,

that might work. now just have to find somewhere that sells a breed other than red sex links.