Train Chickens with 3 Easy and Fun Tricks!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Training Chickens: The Basics
3. Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops
4. Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes
5. Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand
6. Target Training for Chicken Behavior
7. Introducing the Hoop to Your Chicken
8. Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops
9. Tips for Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops
10. Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes
11. Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes
12. Tips for Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes
13. Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand
14. Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand
15. Tips for Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand
16. Conclusion

Training Chickens: Fun Behaviors to Teach Your Feathered Friends

Training your chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your feathered friends. Not only does it provide mental stimulation and enhance their well-being, but it also fosters a positive relationship between you and your chickens. In this article, we will explore three fun behaviors that you can train your chickens to do: jumping through hoops, running through tubes, and sitting on your hand. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in chicken training, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to help you train your chickens in a fun and effective way.

Introduction

Keeping chickens as pets has become increasingly popular in recent years. As more people embrace the idea of backyard chicken keeping, they are discovering the joy and satisfaction that comes from interacting with these feathered creatures. Chickens are intelligent animals with their unique personalities, and training them not only enhances their well-being but also strengthens the bond between chicken and owner.

Training Chickens: The Basics

Before diving into the specific behaviors, it's essential to understand the basics of training chickens. Chickens, like any other animal, require positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency during the training process. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

1. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your chickens with treats or praise when they exhibit the desired behavior. This positive reinforcement helps them associate the behavior with something pleasurable.

2. Be patient: Chickens have their own pace of learning, and it's crucial to be patient throughout the training process. Some chickens may pick up on behaviors quickly, while others may take more time.

3. Keep sessions short and frequent: Chickens have short attention spans, so it's essential to keep training sessions brief and frequent. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day.

4. Use a clicker or verbal cue: Clicker training can be an effective way to communicate with your chickens. By pairing a clicker or a specific verbal cue with a reward, you can mark the desired behavior and reinforce it.

Now that we have covered the basics let's move on to the specific behaviors you can train your chickens to do.

Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops

Jumping through hoops is a classic trick that can impress your friends and family while providing entertainment for your chickens. It also helps improve their coordination and agility. Before you begin training this behavior, ensure that your chickens are target trained. If they haven't been target trained, refer to our previous video on how to target train your chickens.

Introducing the Hoop to Your Chicken

Introducing a new object like a hula hoop can be intimidating for your chickens. It's essential to introduce it gradually and from a distance to prevent any fear or anxiety. Here are the steps to take:

1. Start with a hula hoop resting on the ground, preferably at a distance from your chickens.
2. Using the same techniques from target training, bring your chickens closer to the hoop by using the target or a food lure.
3. Slowly pull the target or lure hand through the hoop, rewarding your chickens for each step closer to the hoop.
4. Continue this process until your chickens are comfortable walking through the hoop that is resting on the ground.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops

Once your chickens are comfortable with the hoop on the ground, you can start training them to jump through it. Follow these steps:

1. Hold the hoop securely and slightly raise it off the ground.
2. Use the target or lure hand to guide your chickens to jump through the hoop.
3. Slowly increase the height of the hoop as your chickens become more comfortable with the behavior.
4. Gradually fade out the use of the target or lure by pulling it back or showing less of it.
5. Reinforce the behavior with treats or praise every time your chickens successfully jump through the hoop.
6. Practice the behavior regularly to strengthen the skill and maintain your chickens' confidence.

Tips for Training Chickens to Jump Through Hoops

• Ensure that the hoop is secure and stable to prevent any accidents or scares.
• Use small bits of berries or produce as reinforcers instead of chicken scratch to avoid disruption during the training session.
• Have a second person assist you by holding the hoop, allowing you to focus on reinforcing your chickens quickly and easily.

Training chickens to jump through hoops can be a fun and impressive trick. Remember to be patient and take it step by step to ensure your chickens feel comfortable and confident in performing the behavior.

Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes

Running through tubes is another exciting behavior that can keep your chickens active and engaged. By training them to run through tubes, you provide them with mental and physical stimulation.

Introducing the Tube to Your Chicken

Introducing the tube should follow a similar process to introducing the hoop. Start with a small, collapsible dog agility tunnel and gradually introduce it to your chickens. Here's how:

1. Begin with the tube at its smallest size and lure your chickens closer to it using treats or a target.
2. Ensure the tube is stable either by securing it to the ground or having someone hold it.
3. Gradually guide your chickens to step onto the tube, using treats or food lures as encouragement.
4. Reinforce the behavior by rewarding every small step, such as touching the tube or looking into it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes

Once your chickens are comfortable with the short tube, you can train them to run all the way through. Follow these steps:

1. Gradually increase the length of the tube, ensuring your chickens remain comfortable and confident.
2. Reinforce small steps, such as walking through the tube halfway, by rewarding with treats or praise.
3. Slowly work your way up to the desired length of the tube, adjusting the approximation when necessary.
4. Fade out the use of the target or lure, focusing on reinforcing longer behaviors like running through the entire tube.
5. Practice regularly to strengthen the behavior and reinforce your chickens' confidence.

Tips for Training Chickens to Run Through Tubes

• Use heavy bait or a lure when your chickens are far away from the tube to entice them closer.
• Adjust feeding positions to keep your chickens close to your hand while they are stepping onto the tube.
• Be mindful of your chickens' comfort and adjust the tube's length accordingly to ensure their confidence.

Training chickens to run through tubes not only provides them with physical exercise but also keeps their minds sharp. Patience and consistency are key to successfully training this behavior.

Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand

Having your chickens comfortably sitting on your hand is an excellent way to bond with them and build trust. This behavior requires trust and positive experiences between you and your chickens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand

Here's how to train your chickens to sit on your hand:

1. Start by feeding your chickens with one hand while keeping the other hand flat on the ground, palm up.
2. Slowly pull your food hand closer to your body, enticing your chickens to brush or touch your hand.
3. Continue feeding and pull your food hand forward, encouraging your chickens to step onto your hand.
4. Reward your chickens for standing on your hand while it's still resting flat on the ground.
5. Gradually start raising your hand off the ground, making sure it stays steady and flat.
6. If your chickens step off your hand, lure them back onto it without reinforcing the behavior.
7. Reward your chickens for perching on your hand with both feet.
8. Once your chickens are comfortable perching on your hand, slowly fade out the lure or target, rewarding only for two feet on your hand.
9. Gradually incorporate slight movements to simulate holding your chickens.
10. Practice regularly and reward for longer durations of sitting on your hand.

Tips for Training Chickens to Sit on Your Hand

• Keep your hand flat and steady to provide a stable surface for your chickens.
• Make slow movements to prevent your chickens from losing balance or feeling anxious.
• Adjust your feeding technique as necessary to encourage your chickens to step onto your hand.

Training chickens to sit on your hand takes time and patience but can be a rewarding experience for you and your feathered friends.

Conclusion

Training your chickens to perform fun behaviors is not only entertaining but also promotes their well-being and strengthens your bond with them. Whether it's jumping through hoops, running through tubes, or sitting on your hand, these behaviors provide mental stimulation, physical exercise, and opportunities for you and your chickens to interact. Remember to be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and frequent. With time, consistency, and a whole lot of treats, you'll be amazed at what your chickens can learn and accomplish.

Resource:

• How to Target Train Your Chickens
• Collapsible Dog Agility Tunnel