I really wanted to call this post, “How to train a Monster”, because that can be a side effect of training an animal to become domesticated! Once they figure out that the 2 legged human has snacks, they will do anything to train you- to come bearing snacks on their call!

Growing up on a farm, domesticating animals became standard practices… we trained steers, rabbits, stray cats, dogs, horses, you name it. The drill was the same. We would get them to associate treats with humans and they were instant fans. I truly believe that God wired them that way.

Looking back, I had a horse that didn’t like to be caught. She’d graze in big pastures and was happy to remain 12 steps ahead of me…Naturally, I accidentally figured out that she liked candy Raspberry Gummies from our local Fleet Farm…she became an instant monster. She would gallop to meet me from across the field if she caught sight of me because she knew that I had the sweet gummy raspberries. In addition, she would also kick the stall walls to smithereens when anyone that dared to feed her a gummy, and walked away. She had everyone trained to return with snacks! Chickens are just the same!

How To Train Your Chicken

Day 1…Boil eggs, take 1 egg and remove the shell. Take only the yolk and grind it up, in a plastic zip lock bag. Put a tiny amount, about a tablespoon, on your hand and present it to them. Depending on their age, time of day, hungry level, results may vary.

Our recent Polish chickens were the same way…Intially, they were freaked…no worries. My mantra was that tasty treats work to tame every living farm animal!

On Day 1, this Mamma’s hand was held out for 7 minutes straight with only a few takers that attempted a bite from my hand! I wasn’t concerned, I knew their sweet spot, it was food.

Day 2

I continued showing the chickens the moveable hand of tasty treat with a part goal of finding the best time of the day. After all, your probably busy and this taming action is slowing down your busy life. Go for finding their most desirable time of day to snack!

The Polish caved on Day 2 and were always interested!

Day 3

Same drill, we added a moving thumb that tried to get in the way. It’s purpose was to get them used to touch and encourage them to walk on our hands.

The Polish were all in..walked on the hands, no issues!

Day 4

Repeat steps of Day 3…no change. We repeated and reminded ourselves that the mantra was that tasty treats work to tame every living thing!

The Polish allowed us to lift them into the air, up to 2 feet.

Day 5

Big progress with the Polish. They walked on our hand and let us raise them into the air.

Day 6

The Polish were charmed and all in, on humans. One was ready to be taken anywhere, even without a snack.

Without any snacks they came upon the whistle call, walked onto our hands and let us move them around.

We walked away and waited for the Chicken to train us…yep, there it was, “PEW, PEW!” it was calling me to come back.

Nope, didn’t go…I was training them, not them opposite!

See it’s that easy! Give your flock a try and start looking at them from another angle!

All Done with One!

Let’s review the Goals:

1) She comes when called

2) She hops on my hand without a yummy reward

3) We are all done training her! She’s a peach!