Anyone who has spent any time on a farm with chickens is probably familiar with this trick. On the other hand, those who have never heard of it will be surprised to see a hen lying perfectly still after following these instructions. Biologists think that fear causes this "state of hypnosis", an attempt by the animal to deceive predators by pretending to be dead.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Hypnotize the Chicken
Step 1. Place the pet on a flat surface
Hold him still by placing a hand on his chest. Put it down so that your chest supports its weight and rests on the ground. Keep holding his paws still so that the great experiment can continue.
You can also lay it on your chest. Gently press down on your back and gently move your paws back if he tries to get up
Step 2. Move your finger
Hold the bird in place by gently pressing with your hand. Place one finger of the other hand right in front of the tip of the beak, without touching it. Move your finger back about 10 cm away, then forward again. Repeat until he stops moving or moaning.
Step 3. Free the legs
At this point the animal should be "hypnotized" and have stopped moving. It will remain in this state for a time ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes.
Step 4. Or, draw a line in front of its beak
If the previous movement didn't work, try this alternative. Using a piece of chalk, a stick, or a finger, draw a line on the ground about 30 cm in length. Start near the beak and draw the line slowly outward, in front of its head.
Some people use a horizontal line in front of the chicken instead. Are chickens afraid of lines? Is there any reason a line works better than moving your fingers? Great minds are still searching for the answer
Step 5. Clap your hands to wake him up
Be nice to your feathered friend and let him go back to his life. Clap your hands or move it gently until it stands up and walks away.
Method 2 of 2: Reduce Stress
Step 1. Be aware of the significance of the hypnotic effect
Researchers call this effect "tonic stillness". When a chicken or other animal with this tendency becomes frightened, its heart rate drops and it stops moving - this could be an attempt to pretend to be dead, to discourage predators who prefer live prey. Unlike a possum, the chicken is not convincing though, as it continues to blink and breathe in an obvious way.
Step 2. Hold the animal upright or on its side
While it is not uncommon to carry a chicken by its legs, keeping it upside down is at risk of breaking its hip. Hypnosis techniques that involve placing the animal on its back can be "successful" because they cut off the supply of air to the lungs. This can cause significant discomfort, leading to fainting or, rarely, even death.>
Step 3. Keep hypnosis short and infrequent
It is not entirely clear how much stress hypnosis can cause. Even if it does cause some, the animal should probably not suffer if you let it go soon after. Hours of stress, or regular exposure to stressful situations, can cause serious health problems.
Step 4. Get your chickens used to humans and novelties
Chickens cope with stress better if they are used to contact with humans. Staring them in the eye for a long time also seems to have an effect. Living in stimulating environments with new objects could be helpful. Chickens that are raised in cages remain "hypnotized" for longer, perhaps due to increased fear.
Step 5. Look out for other signs of stress
Abnormal plumage, constant grooming, or egg-laying delays are all signs of a stressed chicken. While hypnotizing is unlikely to cause serious harm, any other type of stress is more harmful to a chicken in this state.
Advice
- If necessary, keep his neck still, to force him to observe the line or finger.
- Try this technique if you need to inspect the chicken for medical reasons. Placing it on its side usually gives the best view.
