Chicken Harness Training Tips: How to Use It For Pet Chickens?

Want to explore the great outdoors with your chicken and harness? Harness training opens up whole new adventures and bonding opportunities. With more people choosing chickens as pets, using harnesses in activities outside the coop is on the rise.

Chicken Harness Training Tips give a safe and comfortable way to take your feathered friend outdoors. Whether it’s for a stroll in the garden or to show off at chicken events. But, before you start, remember it takes patience, understanding, and the right approach.

Let’s share practical tips and strategies to harness-train your chicken successfully. Get ready for an enriching experience that makes a good bonding!

Chicken Harness Training Tips: Is It Good or Bad?

Whether harness training your chicken is good or bad depends on your chicken. It also depends on the purpose of the Chicken Harness. Here’s a breakdown of both sides:

4 Benefits of Chicken Harness Training

There are so many good facts about training your chicken with harnesses. Let’s break it down –

1. Enrichment and Exercise

Chickens are curious creatures. A harness allows them to explore their surroundings safely. It also gives mental stimulation and prevents boredom.

Remember, fresh sights, smells, and outdoor experiences keep them engaged.

2. Reduced Aggression

Harnesses give you more control over your chickens during interactions. Also, you can manage their aggressive behavior toward other chickens.

3. Good Bonding

The training process itself strengthens the bond between you and your chicken. When you spend quality time while harnessing training, it creates trust.

4. Medical Assistance

Harnesses make it easier to give medication to chickens or monitor their health. A harness provides a secure way to handle them. So, you can make it easier to provide care and attention.

4 Negative Impacts of Chicken Harness Training

Besides being good, training chicken harnesses can be negative. Here’s how –

1. Stress and Discomfort

Some chickens dislike wearing a harness and may find it stressful. Watch for signs of discomfort. For example -struggling or vocalizing.

2. Escape Risk

Chickens are escape artists. A determined chicken might slip out of the harness. So, we need a snug fit and regular checks to prevent escapes.

3. Unnatural Restraint

Chickens aren’t natural leash-walkers like dogs.

Chicken harnesses limit the freedom of movement of chickens. It may go against their natural behavior. The problem is it restricts their ability to move and behave freely.

4. Ethical Considerations

Some argue that treating through harness training blurs the line. It’s in between livestock and companionship.

Respect their natural behaviors while balancing safety and enrichment.

How to Train Chickens with Harness? 3 Major Guides!

Training chickens to use a harness can be a fun experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Selecting the Right Harness

Pick the H-style harness. It has simple straps going around the chest and belly. Good for general walking.

I also suggest to get Vest-style. It offers more coverage and support, ideal for larger chickens or those prone to escaping.

When choosing the type, ensure a snug fit without restricting movement. Measure chest and wingspan. It’s better to get the one that is breathable, lightweight materials like mesh.

Please avoid rough edges or fastenings.

I prefer to get the adjustable straps for easy fitting and removal. Secure buckles to prevent escape. Plus, it must be high-quality materials that withstand wear and tear.

2. Make it Properly Fit

While making the harness fit, two fingers should fit under the straps. Harness shouldn’t restrict wings or breathing. Also, check for chafing or discomfort after short walks.

I would suggest to make it fit by following the tips –

• Place the large loop around the chicken’s neck and adjust it. The silver ring is where you attach the leash, but don’t attach it yet.

• There’s a buckle indicated by an arrow. The buckle should be positioned under the chicken’s wing.
• Next, ensure both straps are positioned under the chicken’s wings. The two buckles will meet beneath the opposite wing.

• Carefully fasten them together to avoid pinching the chicken.
• Take your time to buckle them securely.

3. Prepare Your Chicken

Start with a chicken saddle to get your chicken used to wearing something. After a few days, switch to the harness and leash. It will let your chicken get used to it slowly.

Spend time talking softly and interacting gently. Pick up and hold your chicken regularly, increasing the duration gradually.

To train with a harness, gently stroke your chicken. Let them get used to being touched. Practice lifting them under their chest and belly. It’s for simulating harness placement.

Make sure you allow them to explore a confined space. It’s while you hold the leash loosely.

Remember, you have to introduce the harness gradually. So, here’s what you can do –

• Lay the harness flat and let your chicken sniff it.
• Gently slip the harness on. Start with loose straps and tightening.
• Offer praise and treats throughout the process.

See the video to learn how you should train them properly.

How to Overcome Challenges During the Chicken Harness Training

When harness-training your chickens, you’ll encounter various challenges. Here’s how to overcome them:

1. Fear and Resistance

Chickens adapt better when trained from a young age. If working with an adult chicken, be patient.

Use treats, praise, and gentle handling to create positive associations with the harness.

If your chicken shows fear, take breaks. You can associate harness time with enjoyable experiences.

Note: Take off the harness at night to prevent any nighttime mishaps.

2. Escape Attempts

Ensure the harness is snug but not restrictive. Check buckles and straps for security. Start training indoors or in a confined space to limit escape opportunities.

You need to manage the leash as well. Keep the leash slack but attentive to prevent sudden pulls. If your chicken tries to escape, gently guide them back with the leash.

3. Leash Pulling

Don’t pull back on the leash. Guide your chicken gently in the desired direction. Teach your chicken to “heel” by rewarding walking beside you.

See the video of their walking with harnesses.

It’s better to keep walks brief. It helps to prevent boredom and excessive pulling.

Do All Chicken Wear Chicken Harness?

No, not all chickens wear harnesses. It depends on the owner’s preference and the chicken’s needs. While some owners choose to train their chickens with harnesses, others don’t. Also, some chickens may not like wearing harnesses due to their temperament or discomfort.

Chickens have different personalities. Some may escape from harnesses if it’s unfit. Also, some others enjoy wearing the harness.

Are There Any Alternatives to Chicken Harness? 6 Ideas!

Yes, there are several alternatives to chicken harnesses. If you don’t like putting harnesses, here are the ideas to follow –

1. Chicken Saddles

You can utilize chicken saddles to protect hens’ backs from rooster treading. Start by getting your chicken comfortable with wearing a saddle. Then transition to a harness.

2. DIY Chicken Harness

Use a head harness designed for dogs. It’s to create a makeshift chicken harness. Modify the harness by loosening the neckpiece for your chicken’s comfort.

For DIY style, you just need rope or cord, a piece of cloth or leather, and a buckle or other fastening device. The rest of the steps are the same to set the harness.

3. Supervised Free-Range Time

Allow chickens supervised free-range time. Make sure it’s in a secure outdoor area without harnesses.

Let them explore, scratch, and peck naturally within a safe enclosure.

4. Chicken Playpens

Set up a chicken playpen or enclosed area in your backyard. It helps them get fresh air and space. I think it can be much better than a harness.

5. Chicken Tractors

Movable enclosures provide chickens with access to fresh grass and insects. You can rotate the tractor regularly. It’s to ensure continuous access to fresh resources.

6. Offer Enrichment Activities Always

You can provide boredom-busting activities. For example – scattering treats or hiding vegetables.

You can also offer safe chew toys. I would say hanging bird feeders or planting herbs and flowers can also go well. It’s for their natural foraging.

And be sure you build obstacles or climbing structures within their coop.

Related Reads:

• Everything About Chicken Harness
• How To Raise Chickens With No Land
• Create A Dust Bath For Your Chickens
• 11 Must-Do’s for Happy Chickens in Winter Time!

FAQs

Here are some other queries you must check before you keep your eyes away.

Final Word

Harness training offers opportunities for bonding and outdoor adventures with your chicken. While some chickens may adapt well, others find it uncomfortable. It’s essential to approach training with patience and understanding.

Pick the chicken, make them comfortable, and let them wear the harness. Also, if harnesses aren’t suitable, there are alternative options available to provide enrichment. Go for it!