[Pinti]

Every morning any time between 5am and 6 (depending on the sunrise) one of my chickens (not always the same one) will squawk loudly. They only stop if they get some treats, normally corn. By getting up and feeding them am I re-enforcing the routine? Would it be best to stop for a while and see if this stops them, or does anyone have an idea how to build an automatic feeding device I can set off for early morning?

[8doubles]

A bit o`string out of the bedroom window to pull the lid off the food dish.

Sounds like they have you trained.

[carolbriar]

Perhaps they have got you well trained?  One of mine makes a bit of noise early in the morning and I just ignore it.  They get let out at 6.30am.  I would say that by feeding them corn at that time of the day will make them continue with the noise as they know you are coming with their treat.  I don't know what else to suggest really.  We are lucky, we don't have anyone living nearby so it doesn't matter if they make a noise - it just wakes us up

[Pertelotte]

Hi.

Sounds like your girls are in communication with mine   

I would suggest a pair of earplugs, and freebie eggs to the neighbours if they're in earshot! They've got used to being able to bully you into dolling out goodies on demand; think of how you'd raise your kids. Of course I can't talk; mine are a fine collection of delinquents!

Decide when you want your girls to have their treats and stick to it. They'll not be happy at first and give you a hard time, but will get used to it soon enough. 

Good luck!

Pertelotte

[sneezer]

Hi if mine are anything to go by- you are the feeding device and the automatic bit is the alarm clock :lol:If I leave mine they get louder and louder, so up at 5.30 then back to bed

[Casey76]

The chickens appear to be training you... not the other way round lol!

I let my chooks out when I get up, so between 6:30 and 7am.

When you get up early, give the chooks a treat because they are squawking, you *ar* only reinforcing that if a chook squawks they get nice food... so guess what... the chickens squawk!

One thing you can do, is if your coop has a window you can cover it up, so it doesn't get light in the coop at daybreak, then you can let them out on your terms - not theirs.

Secondly, I wouldn't give treats in the morning, just in the evening, this will help to ensure the hens eat their full ration of layers (with the proper balance of nutrients) before filling up on "candy" (Says she who gave her chooks melon pips and rind this morning  ).

[Pinti]

thanks for all the advice, just can't help spoiling them!

I will try the hard line and see who breaks first!!

[joyfull]

for the sake of your chickens I hope it's not you - too many treats are bad for them, just give layers pellets in the morning and treats around tea time - bed time.

[themagicaltoad1]

for the sake of your chickens I hope it's not you - too many treats are bad for them, just give layers pellets in the morning and treats around tea time - bed time.

but they're so hard to resist Joyfull, and we feel so mean depriving them of their little treats lol.

[joyfull]

treats are fine but not in the mornings