We have a barn and these chickens fell out of a chicken truck and came to live in our barn.I've fed the chickens corn and they liked it.But now I want to pet them.Should I?
2007-07-12 06:20:03 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
The best way is to try and hand feed them first, just sit on the ground with them and hold a palm full of grain, once they get use to you they might allow petting. But don't ever let one near you face or eye's!
2007-07-12 06:24:27 · answer #1 · answered by budgie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My hens will actually jump into your lap and DEMAND that you pet them. But I hand raised them from little chicks. It really depends on the chicken, though. Just like some people, some chickens don't like to be touched. I have one hen that just NEEDS your attention, one that will run away from you as fast as she can, and one that will let you pet her on HER conditions.
If you are able to be close enough to pet the chicken, use slow movements so that they won't be scared off. It also helps to have some treats to feed them so that they can know that it's a good thing to be petted. If you work with them, the chickens will come to a point where they might even follow you around the yard!
If they do try and peck at you, it really doesn't hurt that much. It feels more like a poke with the eraser end of a pencil. It is different for rooster though! They pinch hard!
2007-07-12 06:36:59 · answer #2 · answered by reillyj1989 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, if they'll let you. If they aren't used to handling, they might peck your hand, but they don't usually draw blood or anything. They'll usually just run if they're scared. If you can hand feed them or get really close, it should be okay.
I grew up on a farm, and it was my job to look after the chickens and gather the eggs. I'd change their water and feed them first, trying to get them off their nests to get the eggs. Some of them wouldn't budge, so I'd have to reach under their feathery little behinds to get the eggs. Most of them would just make annoyed little clucking sounds and shift their weight. One was a real little pecker, though! She'd peck my hand every time. There was no help for it, though. I had to get the eggs, and she wouldn't get up off them. I took to wearing an old glove when I had to reach under her, and that solved the problem. It didn't hurt at all with a glove on.
So maybe you ought to try wearing an old glove to pet them until you find out if they're peckers or not! Try feeding them corn by hand, and they will learn to associate your hands with good things. Make sure you provide food and fresh water for them every day, they aren't known for being good foragers.
They are really pretty easy to tame. I just love them! We're planning to move, and I'm trying to find a place out of town so I could have a small coop with a few hens again. They're great pets, actually!
2007-07-12 06:58:01 · answer #3 · answered by baymast13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chickens don't bite but they might peck you on the hand. Try petting them gently on the back. Some chickens are pretty friendly.
2007-07-12 06:23:54 · answer #4 · answered by Miz D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch out for the roosters! We had a psycho one that would try to flog you everytime you got close. Two of the hens we had would let you hold them and pet them though. Just like dogs and cats, it depends on the animal.
2007-07-12 06:30:27 · answer #5 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some won't peck you. They can't bite.
My only pets were chickens.
My brothers had dogs but all I got were chickens.
2007-07-12 06:28:08 · answer #6 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they normally dont let you near them, but some will, and yes there is a chance you will get pecked.
2007-07-12 06:24:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might peck at you but they aren't going to cause serious injury.
2007-07-12 06:27:18 · answer #8 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You gotta catch 'em first. Those little bastards are quick!
2007-07-12 06:27:19 · answer #9 · answered by Small Town Gal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋