What were your worst mistakes when you first started?

[micstrachan]

Absolutely! Maybe someday, right?
Marble -
View attachment 1633302
View attachment 1633304
Redhead -
View attachment 1633305
Fabio (yes, I'm aware he's hideous ) -
View attachment 1633306
Mr. Chatterbox -
View attachment 1633310
Piper -
View attachment 1633307
Kisses -
View attachment 1633309
Mr. Flops -
View attachment 1633311
And Ling, my beloved tried-and-true rooster -
View attachment 1633314
~Alex

Beautiful boys! I’d love to keep roosters someday... separate from the girls. Would need a bigger property that I owned instead of rented (like I do now).

 

[micstrachan]

I'd love some tips on catching my birds. Do you recommend ignoring the skwarking panic and simply chasing them down, or grabbing a leg while they are trustingly coming up to you, or what? I hate the idea of making them scared of me because they think I'll grab them if they come too close, but recognise the need to check them regularly. I have an open plan run/pen so no smaller area to catch them. Was thinking of catching them a couple of times a month while settled roosting, but then it's dark and hard to see (even with a headlamp). What do others recommend?

I would corner one, catch it, pick it up, and then let it go. Do this repeatedly so they know you aren’t going to hurt them. Ignore the squawks (unless they’re molting... don’t handle them then, if possible). Before that, just spend time sitting with them. Let them get used to sharing space with you. And maybe try feeding treats from your hand without catching them so they trust you.

 

[aart]

Was thinking of catching them a couple of times a month while settled roosting, but then it's dark and hard to see (even with a headlamp). What do others recommend?

That's what I do...I don't chase chickens...need a good headlight and place to sit.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree with aart; I pick them up off the roosts at night, unless there's some kind of emergency. Chasing them around has happened here, but it's not fun, and makes them more fearful.
A large long handled fish net is a very handy thing to have too. Also a smaller one that's easier to use in the coop.
Mary

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd love some tips on catching my birds. Do you recommend ignoring the skwarking panic and simply chasing them down, or grabbing a leg while they are trustingly coming up to you, or what? I hate the idea of making them scared of me because they think I'll grab them if they come too close, but recognise the need to check them regularly. I have an open plan run/pen so no smaller area to catch them. Was thinking of catching them a couple of times a month while settled roosting, but then it's dark and hard to see (even with a headlamp). What do others recommend?

I never try to catch a chicken during the day. It is like herding cats. Can't be done. Much simpler is to pluck a bird off the roost after dusk. Then you can do as you please.

 

[micstrachan]

In my personal experience what I wear doesn't make any difference, some days I wear glasses others I wear contact, doesn't matter if I have my hair down or tied up, nor makes any difference what I wear. However, I've seen my birds frightened by my mum wearing her new coat and when my daughter wore a hat. Strange thing is they aren't bothered by my grandsons appearance either, his first time wearing a hat out didn't phase them at all, nor when he wore his new coat.
I have a blanket I put on my lap to help keep warm while sitting out with my birds, ordinarily they aren't bothered by it and those that get on laps will still get on but one night my daughter came out with it drapped over her shoulders and scared the birds half to death but this evening she sat with it on her Lap and they were fine jumping up on her lap. Strange but wonderful birds

I have these huge (square) beach towels that have become chicken towels. I put them on my lap and the girls jump on. If I sit in a low chair (like a beach chair) and spread the towel across my lap and the grass, they will come join me for a sit. I’ll see if so have a decent photo of this!

Found a few... but Bridgey (Barred Rock) prefers to sit on my jeans.

 

[micstrachan]

I never try to catch a chicken during the day. It is like herding cats. Can't be done. Much simpler is to pluck a bird off the roost after dusk. Then you can do as you please.

Good point. Many people prefer to do this at night. Mine are easier to get to in the day, since we have a funky double-decker coop and not all the roosts are easy to get to and then climb out holding a chicken. LOL.

 

[aart]

Good point. Many people prefer to do this at night. Mine are easier to get to in the day, since we have a funky double-decker coop and not all the roosts are easy to get to and then climb out holding a chicken. LOL.

It's one of the most important and overlooked parts of designing a coop...
...not everyone can spend days at the 'beach' to tame their chickens

 

[micstrachan]

It's one of the most important and overlooked parts of designing a coop...
...not everyone can spend days at the 'beach' to tame their chickens

Yep. We converted an existing play structure into a coop. The next coop will be designed properly, but that won’t be for a few years yet. I do realize not everyone has the time (or desire) to tame their chickens, but it works for me.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd love some tips on catching my birds. Do you recommend ignoring the skwarking panic and simply chasing them down, or grabbing a leg while they are trustingly coming up to you, or what?

If the chickens are already fairly tame to you, walking up to them and picking them up does work. If you chase them they will still run, but if you walk over slowly and calmly they should either stay in place or walk off a little before "giving up." I also find it helps if you approach them while crouching down the last few steps, as that is less threatening to them. I do not try to lure them in with food and then grab them, as I don't want them to be fearful that treats = being grabbed.