Will owning chickens effect handling?

[GoldenRoyal]

I’m at my parents’ house for the summer, and they just adopted about 18 chickens from someone a coworker. They’re at work during most of the day, so I have to feed and water them, as well as collect the eggs until the afternoon.

I was wondering, will being in close proximity to chickens make handling more difficult by activating my BP’s feeding response?
I have to actually go into their enclosure to do the daily chores, but I don’t directly handle them, only their food and water receptacles.

If you’ve seen my other thread in BP Husbandry, you’ll know that I’ve had problems with her trying to eat my hands already, so I’d like to know if you think this will make things worse, and perhaps if there are any precautions I can take.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Craiga 01453]

I interact with other animals throughout the day and have never had issues. I just make sure I was my hands and arms well between handling different animals.
Washing before handling snakes is always a good idea, regardless. Maybe once you're done with the chickens for the day hop through the shower and you're good to go.

[bcr229]

I don't see it being an issue with ball pythons.

OTOH my retics and boas have eaten chickens, duck, turkey, pheasant, quail, etc. culls from a local fowl producer, so you would have to make sure you were cleaned up and not smelling like "KFC" if you had bigger boids.

[Bogertophis]

I guess you'll find out soon enough...I'd suggest washing off the scent (hands & arms at least, a shower is better*), since you already know she is easily enticed
for feeding & doesn't stop at hands. You might try using some rubbing alcohol on your hands- it evaporates quickly, but just so a little of the smell lingers when
you approach & handle. But if she's never been fed on chicks, she may not associate it at all, who knows?

*but when you do chores with other animals, remember that the dust (& therefore the scent) can get on your hair too- so be cautious until you see if she notices.