The Poultry Keeper

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 110 Location: Northants

I took some pics of my girls yesterday,here they are

thats evil edna

all three checking out the garden

gertie is the brown one in front with daisy in the background.I hope you enjoy them.
flump-x-

Bhindi · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 9:45 pm Post subject:

Flump, I'm pleased you got a couple of 'gingerish' Black Rocks, In my opinion they are much prettier and intresting to look at. And I note that you got 3, which is as I mentioned before, much better than 2. I always think maturing youngsters look a bit stark. Once the comb forms, it makes all the difference.

I'm so pleased your really enjoying them already. Don't forget to handle them as much as you can asap, it will help them bond with you.

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 110 Location: Northants

I am really loving them,except trying to catch them so i can handle them more is impossible ! they run away Laughing

any tips on how to do this without frightening them ?
flump-x-

Muddiwarx · Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Nr Manchester, UK

Ours suddenly just stopped running away and now they sit down when they think we want them .... Smile

layla · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 524 Location: West Midlands

They are lovely looking girls Flump Cool

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 604 Location: Sussex

Best way is just to spend time sitting right next to the run, feeding them.. that way they link you with food, and get really tame Smile

Groovy Chick · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 23 Location: shrewsbury

All our ladies became really friendly just as they came into lay. Sometimes that is not such a good thing, especially when your trying desparately to clean them out and they will not leave you alone Razz

Tip, never go into your garden with bare feet, you will only do it once those pecks really hurt! Laughing

Bhindi · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

The way to their hearts, like most creatures is with food.

You can just corner them and confidently pick them up (wings in face can happen a few times, till you learn how to pin them down before it happens)..

Two of my newer girls I got last year still think I'm out to kill them, but once caught they settle down, I just stroke under their beaks and talk softly to them, and try not to move suddenly. I kneel down and let them stand on my leg, they seem to be happier being able to stand Just be careful with your eyes in this position though,as if they are frightened they are unpredictable.

Make it a mission to pick them up at least daily, by whatever method works. It will be worth it in the long run.