The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: suziequeue on May 18, 2012, 06:47:43 pm

Title: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: suziequeue on May 18, 2012, 06:47:43 pm

One of our older Rhodies has become a little more tame of late.


I think she thinks I'm a cockerel and if I approach her slowly from behind at the right angle she just sits there and allows me to pick her up.


Where are nice places to give her a little scratch and a pet once I have her in my arms?

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: jaykay on May 18, 2012, 06:59:26 pm

I find mine like to sit on my knee, so they have their feet on something, and then just be stroked from their head down their backs, seems to put them into a bit of a trance  :D

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: Fowlman on May 18, 2012, 07:04:53 pm

A hen that squats when you put your hand over its back is in lay. Surest way of knowing they are laying.

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: in the hills on May 18, 2012, 07:15:28 pm

Our Friesian girls fly into our arms, onto shoulders and heads. They love to be stroked around their faces and under their chins.  ;D
 
Peekins like everything ..... little feather dusters.

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: chrismahon on May 18, 2012, 07:52:53 pm

Squatting hen is in lay and preparing to be trodden -she sees you as the cockerel Suziequeue! If she just sits there she is getting tame. Ours like to be stroked from the middle of the neck back or stroked down from under their chin, down their wattles and neck and over the crop. They are always happiest (except Dilly) when they have their feet on a surface. Comb and head to be avoided as it is an agressive action. Some like to be carried facing forwards and most prefer properly, facing backwards.

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: suziequeue on May 18, 2012, 08:12:23 pm

Oooh - I can't wait to go out there tomorrow with a little stool and pet her again  :D :D

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 30, 2012, 04:42:04 pm

lucky you! closest to showing affection my tamest goes to is pecking at my hand  ;D ;D :chook: :&>

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: plt102 on May 30, 2012, 10:59:19 pm

we have some very cuddly polish bantams. Those and my other chickens that are tame like to be picked up gently and put inthe crook of my elbow with my hand holding their feet gently (so they have something solid to stand on and my other hand steadying them and giving them a pet. They sometimes put their head into your chest if you stroke their head. very cute. my favourite pets are chickens by far. Cute and they give you breakfast :-)

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: Mammyshaz on May 31, 2012, 10:04:28 am

Our three hybrids run to us then crouch, all the time. Two of them insist on helping clean their house, standing on the ledges inches from your hand for a stroke, or standing in front of the shovel with those eyes looking for attention. You just can't resist taking time out for a cuddle and chat with them. Probably why it takes so long to clean them out  ::)

Title: Re: How do hens like to be cuddled?
Post by: suziequeue on May 31, 2012, 12:54:08 pm

I agree plt102. They are lovely and it's been so fascinating watching mummy hen bring up her chicks and seeing them develop into independent creatures.