As a chicken keeper, it’s your sole responsibility to create a warming environment for your chickens to thrive. Raising chickens isn’t only about providing food, water, and shelter. The truth is, there’s a lot to chicken keeping that no one really talks about! Just like bringing any new pet home, it’s your job as the owner to make them feel safe enough to be themselves. That means showing your flock how much you love and appreciate them each and every day! If you aren’t sure where to start, we’ll break it down for you. Here are 5 tips for raising a respectful flock.
1. Use Your Voice
This is especially important when you’re first bringing home your chickens. An unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people can be pretty scary for anyone, so it’s best to come off as non-threatening as possible. Keeping your voice calm and soft will allow your chickens the chance to get to know your soothing voice in a loving and gentle way. The softer you speak, the more they will want to listen! Your tone is powerful, as your flock will quickly pick it up to identify names and other important calls you make to signal for food.
2. Respect Their Boundaries
Every chicken has a unique personality, so their wants and needs may differ. Don’t try to pick up or put a costume on your chicken if it’s something they don’t seem to have any interest in. Of course, your chickens may need to be handled for medical reasons, but know their limits so you don’t lose their trust. Respect your chickens’ time and they’ll surely return the favor.
3. Be Patient
Raising a proper flock can take lots of time and patience. Each of your chickens’ backgrounds can also play a role in how long it will take to train them to fit into your lifestyle. So if you’ve found yourself stuck with a difficult chicken, they may just need more time to get adjusted before they start behaving better.
4. Gain Their Trust
Your flock will never respect you if they don’t trust you. Small gestures can be all it takes to gain the trust of your flock. Any act proving time and time again that you are there to protect them will help them feel more secure. This also means you’ll have to take precautionary steps to protect your flock. Securing your yard to keep predators out, providing shelter, water, and food, and checking in frequently for any issues are all ways you can show your true colors! Another great way to gain trust is to offer treats to your flock.
5. Stay Committed
Finally, here’s the most important tip. Since every chicken is different, your flock will have its own unique dynamic with you that may change over time. You grow as you age, and your chickens do too. If you aren’t happy with a newly learned behavior, commit to changing that behavior. The earlier you nip it in the bud, the quicker you can correct it!
Chicken keeping is a big commitment, and one you make when you bring your first chick home. Don’t let a few “bad eggs” ruin your experience! Take the proper steps to get your flock acquainted with you, their home, and each other and you’ll have a safe and loving environment before you know it.