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This Weeks Star
Photos
Emily's new ear muffs were the talk of
the town.
Which of these rabbits just
farted?
These eggs are from the same
chickens
before and after a electrical storm.
(but I thought the eglu was insulated -
ed)
Omlet
Health Advice
Although feeding treats to
your chickens is fine -
you should always
feed your chickens
Layers Pellets as part of
their daily diet.
(maybe they are keen
golfers? - ed)
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Barbara's Weekly
Diary!
Taming
Hens
I get lots of e-mails from eglu owners
who are worried about handling their hens and the thing
that I suggest is to try picking them up through the
eggport when they go to roost at night when they
are more drowsy. You can give them a cuddle for a few
minutes because they don’t tend to flap so much then.
Pop them back in through the eggport carefully when
you’ve finished and they’ll probably go straight off to
sleep, all relaxed and cosy.
If you keep doing this for
a few days, they get used to human contact and this
makes handling them during the day much easier. Chickens
will also do almost anything for treats. If you hand
feed them something delicious like tinned sweetcorn,
grapes or the thing my girls go mad for at the moment -
dried mealworms, they will associate you with all things
tasty and won’t run a mile when they see you.
Once they begin laying,
you suddenly become the dominant bird in the run. For
some unfathomable reason, they suddenly see you as the
cockerel and flatten themselves in a mating position!
Whilst this is very funny to observe, it also makes
picking them up an absolute doddle because they don’t
run away! As they flatten themselves on the ground, you
can just walk up behind them, carefully place a hand on
either wing and scoop them up with ease. They will
never peck you or hurt you so you needn't be
worried about them. They might peck at a ring or watch
or maybe even painted finger or toe nails as they think
shiny things are food but they soon learn what's edible
and what's not so you will be absolutely fine. Be
confident, hold them securely and they will let you
cuddle them for as long as you like, especially if
you’re also bearing a handful of treats.
Perseverance is the name
of the game and it doesn’t take long to tame a chicken.
Once they are used to being picked up, they are as
friendly and cuddly as any kitten or puppy.
Barbara
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Evie
an Mabel |
