How to Hypnotize a Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hypnotizing a chicken may seem bizarre but it’s actually a useful skill for chicken owners. Putting your birds into a trance-like state can calm high-strung chickens making it easier to handle them for medical treatment or other necessary activities.

Chicken hypnosis has fascinated people for centuries. The first known reference to the practice dates back to 1646 in a book by Athanasius Kircher. But it wasn’t until the 1900s that scientists began seriously studying the phenomenon, which they termed “tonic immobility.”

So how does chicken hypnotism work and is it safe? Here’s everything you need to know about hypnotizing chickens at home

What is Chicken Hypnosis?

Chicken hypnosis, also known as tonic immobility, is a natural state chickens enter when they feel threatened. It’s essentially a fear response, similar to playing dead.

When a chicken’s head is restrained and it feels pressure on its breast, it will become very still and appear to fall asleep. Its breathing will slow and it may close its eyes. This hypnotic state causes temporary paralysis that can last up to 30 minutes.

Scientists think that chickens’ ability to stay still for long periods of time is an adaptation that helped them survive in the wild. Predators will think they are dead if they act like they are dead. The animal may then lose interest, giving the chicken a chance to get away.

Is Chicken Hypnosis Safe?

When done correctly, hypnotizing chickens is generally safe and does not harm them. However, it’s important not to overuse this technique as it does cause chickens significant fear and stress.

Using hypnosis too often can cause long-term anxiety, feather loss, and less egg production. Only hypnotize chickens when absolutely necessary.

It’s also critical to let chickens wake up naturally. Don’t leave them hypnotized for more than 5 minutes. Also, be very gentle when you wake them up to keep them from getting more stressed.

2 Methods to Hypnotize Chickens

There are two primary ways to hypnotize chickens: the oscillating finger method and the sternum stroke method. Here’s how to do both:

The Oscillating Finger Method

1. Hold the chicken on its side with one hand over its wings. Use your hand to gently restrain the chicken’s body.

2. Take one finger on your other hand and wiggle it in front of the chicken’s beak. Move your finger back and forth from the tip of the beak to about 4 inches away.

3. Do this over and over until the chicken stops moving and is entranced. This may take 15-30 seconds.

4. Once the chicken is fully hypnotized, you can release its body and feet. It will remain motionless with its head down.

The Sternum Stroke Method

1. Place the chicken on its back and gently hold it in position. You may need a rolled towel or other item to stop it from rolling over.

2. With your free hand, use your thumb and forefinger to lightly massage the center of the chicken’s breastbone.

3. Keep massaging in a gentle, rhythmic motion until the chicken becomes limp and hypnotized.

4. Carefully release the chicken once it’s fully entranced. It will lay perfectly still in a trance.

What to Do Once Your Chicken is Hypnotized

Once your chicken enters a hypnotic state, you’ll have about 5 minutes before it starts to wake up on its own. Here are some things you can do during this window:

• Check the chicken’s feet and vent for parasites. Having the bird immobilized makes it easier to spot and treat any mites.

• Trim overgrown toenails or claws. The nails will be exposed and easy to clip.

• Give medications. Open the chicken’s beak gently and administer any liquid remedies.

• Examine for injuries or signs of illness. Its feathers and skin will be more visible.

• Weigh the chicken. Place it in a bag or basket attached to a scale.

• Move the chicken. Carry it slowly and smoothly from one area to another.

Waking Your Chicken from Hypnosis

Chickens will start to come out of the hypnotic state on their own within 5 minutes. But you can also speed up the process by:

• Making loud noises like hand clapping or whistling

• Gently massaging the chicken’s feet or breast

• Pushing the chicken over onto its breast so it can stand

• Showing the chicken food or treats

The chicken may be slow and groggy for a few minutes after waking up. Make sure it fully recovers before releasing it. And monitor for any signs of stress.

Is Chicken Hypnosis Cruel?

Some animal welfare advocates argue that deliberately inducing fear in chickens is cruel, unethical and unnecessary. They recommend using less stressful forms of restraint instead.

It’s true that chicken hypnosis does subject chickens to significant fear. So it should be used minimally and only when there are no other good options.

However, responsible use of hypnosis is preferable to aggressive handling that could injure chickens. And it can benefit chicken health by enabling treatment. So in moderation, it may be the most humane approach.

Safety Tips for Chicken Hypnosis

To ensure chicken hypnosis is as safe and low-stress as possible:

• Only hypnotize each chicken occasionally, not regularly

• Keep sessions very brief, under 5 minutes

• Handle chickens gently to avoid any pain or distress

• Make sure to fully wake chickens before returning them to the flock

• Separate any chickens showing signs of injury or trauma after hypnosis

• Never leave hypnotized chickens unattended

The Bottom Line

When done carefully and infrequently, hypnotizing chickens can be a useful way for owners to handle their birds safely and minimize fear. But it’s important to use this practice sparingly and avoid abusing it. Chicken hypnosis should never harm or traumatize your flock.