Why do chicks

[sarjaysar]

go a bit mad when you touch them on their backs??

Any ideas?

 

[Mahonri]

It depends upon the chick. My wheaten ameraucanas LOVE to be touched on the back and then have their necks petted. Depends upon the chicken I suppose.

 

[Barrett Farm]

I've have had hens for a few years. I have watched a few and I spend more time trying to figure out what they are doing and why they are doing it.

When a rooster mounts a hen, he is forcing her to submit to him. When you put your hand on her back you are making the same gesture. When a hen feels higher on the ranking or pecking order, she might not want to submit to your behavior. Or maybe these creatures are naturally breed with instincts. Being on the bottom might not be a comfortable position. If the other chicks or hens see your hand on top and her submitting it might give the hens ideas about telling her she is below them too. Bottomline, I think it screws up their pecking order and they would rather not fall victim to pecking and ranking within the group.

Just my 2cents worth!

 

[sarjaysar]

I haven't tried this with my older hens, just my young chicks, but I hear what you are saying. Just wondered if it was natural instinct from birth.. Wondered if it may be a sign of roo of pullet? I've noticed my pullet chicks don't like their backs being touched too much, but the roo's I have touched are fine.

 

[Chickenmaven]

I think it is because they are prey. The reaction is "Hey, are you a hawk?!!!"

 

[sarjaysar]

Oh dear... Thats not good

Poor things must be scared ****less with a large hand coming towards them..

 

[Barrett Farm]

When I approach my hens (we cannot keep roosters - city ordinance) I hold my hands out to the sides, with my palms up, like I want to catch a large ball, I walk closer, when I am close enough, I bend down and I calmly put my arm around the chicken and draw her near. If the chicken begins to escape I will but my hand on her back from the rear as she tries to run away. But I refrain from that if she is fast or might escape because I don't like to work them up into a frenzy.

My husband on the other hand just pounces on them and they screech and squawk. They get a little worked up with this method. And they don't relax when he is holding them.