| How to Train Chickens Posted: 19 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST Chickens are intelligent birds capable of learning a variety of tricks. Training your chickens can help make managing their flock easier for you. With adequate treats and a call your chickens will recognize, you can train your chickens to perch on your hand, come when called, and even run an agility course! EditUsing Treats and Sound - Use treats to motivate your chickens. Chickens love food, so treats are good for reinforcing the behavior you're trying to teach them. When training your chickens, give them a treat after they do something right. Try to use treats that are different than their regular food. Some easy treats that chickens love are dried mealworms, bird seed, fruits, and vegetables.[1]
- Come up with a sound your chickens will recognize during training. These sounds are called bridges. Any sound can be a bridge, as long as you can make it consistently so your chickens don't get confused. Use the bridge right after your chickens do something right and before you give them a treat. They'll start to associate the bridge with getting a reward.[2]
- The bridge you use with your chickens could be the word "awesome" or you whistling. If you want to be certain your bridge will always sound the same, use a training clicker (like the kind they use to train dogs) as a bridge.
- Be consistent with your training. Chickens are smart, but you'll need to reinforce their good behaviors daily if you want your training to stick. Make an effort to work with your chickens at least once a day. The more often you train them, the faster they'll learn.[3]
EditTraining Chickens to Come When Called - Make your bridge noise and give your chickens a treat. Let your chickens see the treats in your hand so they approach you. Continue to do this around 2-3 times a day so your chickens associate food with the bridge noise. Make sure you're making your bridge noise first and giving them treats immediately after.[4]
- Start hiding the treats while making your bridge noise after a few days of training. Watch your chickens reactions after you bridge. If they perk up and approach you like they're waiting for food, the training is working. Give them the treats after they've come to attention and approached you.[5]
- If your chickens aren't associating your bridge noise with food, keep training them until they do. It could take several weeks for all of your chickens to get there.
- Let your chickens roam free once they associate your bridge noise with food. Make sure all of your chickens are adequately trained before you let them out. If one chicken doesn't associate your bridge with treats, that chicken won't respond when you try to call the flock back to their coop.[6]
- Make the bridge noise when you're ready for your chickens to come home. You may need to make it several times so all the chickens hear it. When the chickens return, give them their treats. If any of your chickens don't respond to your bridge noise, go collect them and bring them back to the coop. Keep training them until they make the connection.[7]
EditTraining Chickens to Perch on Your Hand - Put your palm face up on the ground and hold a treat in your free hand. Hold the treat close to your palm that's on the ground, so that your palm is in between the treat and the chicken.[8]
- Show the chicken the treat and wait for it to walk over. Keep holding the treat close to your palm on the ground so the chicken has to walk onto your palm to get it. Don't give the chicken the treat just yet.[9]
- Make your bridge noise and give the chicken the treat once it's on your palm. Make sure both of its feet are on your palm before you bridge and give it the treat. Don't lift your palm off the ground yet. Let the chicken get comfortable stepping on your hand a few times first.[10]
- Try again, this time lifting your palm a few inches off the ground. Wait for the chicken to step onto your palm before you lift it. Don't lift your hand too high at first or you may startle the chicken. Keep your hand steady in the air.[11]
- Repeat daily, lifting your palm a few inches higher each session. Don't rush the process. Take it slow so the chicken gets used to standing on your hand. After a few sessions, try moving your palm back and forth slowly while the chicken is on it. Eventually, you should be able to walk around with the chicken perched on your hand.[12]
- When you're ready for the chicken to get off your hand, gently place your hand on the ground so it can step off.
EditTraining Chickens with a Target - Get an animal target trainer. Look for one online or at your local pet store. Target trainers look like a long stick with a ball at the end. If you don't want to buy one, make one for your chickens by attaching a wiffle ball to the end of a chopstick.[13]
- With a target trainer, you can train your chickens to go anywhere you place the target, whether it's in their coop, your hand, or another spot in your yard.
- Place the target near your chickens. It doesn't matter where you place it at this point, as long as your chickens can access it. Wait for your chickens to notice the target and walk over to investigate.[14]
- Reward your chickens when they get near the target. It's OK if they're a few steps away at this point. Make your bridge noise and give them a treat. If your chickens aren't going near the target at all, show them treats to lure them over.[15]
- Wait for your chickens to get closer to the target before you reward them again. If they were 3 steps away from the target last time you gave them a treat, wait until they're 2 steps away this time. Make it incrementally harder for your chickens to get a reward. This will train them to get closer and closer to the target.
- Continue this until your chickens are walking right up to the target.
- Wait until your chickens peck the target to give them a treat. When they do, make your bridge noise and give them their snack. Every training session, continue to reward your chickens when they peck the target.
- Move the location of the target after a few training sessions. Don't move it too far at first; is enough. If your chickens continue to peck the target, you can start moving it to farther away to new places, like on top of a post or on a table. Your chickens should start to follow the target wherever you take it.[16]
- Put your chicken's target training to use. If you need to weigh your chickens on a scale, put the target on it and they will hop on. Quickly get your chickens into their pen by placing the target inside of it. You can even use the target to make your chickens run an agility course.[17]
EditThings You'll Need - Treats
- Noise maker
- Target trainer
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Choose a Dress for New Year's Eve Posted: 19 Dec 2017 08:00 AM PST Whether you're planning on going out on the town, attending a ball, or throwing a party at your house, you want the dress you wear on New Year's Eve to be the perfect choice. It's the start of a new year, and that deserves a new dress, but picking a dress can be a stressful process. By looking at specifics such as dress style, color, and fabric, you'll be choosing your New Year's Eve dress in no time at all. EditChoosing a Dress Style and Length - Pick a cocktail dress if you'll be attending a semi-formal party or event. Cocktail dresses are a great option for many New Year's Eve events - they're short yet elegant. There are tons of different cocktail dress styles - from long sleeve to strapless, off-the-shoulder to cap-sleeved - to fit any type of party.[1]
- Strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses are perfect for people with a pear-shaped body, while cocktail dresses with ruffles or pleating look best on ruler-shaped forms.[2]
- Choose a long gown if you'll be attending a ball or black tie event. If you're going to be attending a very formal event, a floor-length gown is the perfect choice. Just be sure to try it on plenty of time beforehand so that you can fix the length and buy proper shoes if needed.[3]
- Decide on a mini dress if you'll be going to parties, clubs, or bars. A mini dress is easy to dress up or dress down, depending on the exact event you're going to, and they come in almost every color or style.[4]
- Mini dresses (such as body cons) are usually fitted, so if you have an hourglass figure, this is your best option.
- If you're going to be doing a lot of dancing or moving around, make sure the dress isn't too short or uncomfortable.
EditDeciding on the Dress Color and Fabric - Wear silver or gold for a bold, classic look. Silver and gold are popular New Year's Eve colors, and they're a great way to make you stand out. If you're going to a party or want to make an impression, choose a silver, gold, or other metallic dress color.[5]
- If you really want to stand out, choose a dress with sparkle, such as beads, glitter, or sequins.
- Wear a darker-tinted color for a holiday look. Wearing darker colors, such as maroon, purple, dark green, or navy blue, is a popular New Year's Eve choice when it comes to picking a dress. It allows you to be festive while also showing off your sophisticated evening attire, and you can choose whichever color looks best on you.
- Choose a little black dress perfect for any event. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. They come in a variety of styles, are easy to dress up or down, and can be found in almost any store. If you're unsure about the color or type of dress that would be appropriate for the event you're attending, pick out a black dress you feel confident in.[6]
- Choose a dress made of velvet for a stylish and warm look. Velvet is a very popular holiday fabric, especially during the winter. Its texture and thickness make it comfortable to wear while also keeping you warm, and it always looks festive.[7]
- Other warm fabrics you might consider are knits, leather, or wool.
- Wear satin or silk for a dressier look. While they're not the warmest fabrics, satin, silk, or any other shiny fabric is sure to create a more formal-looking dress that's party-ready.[8]
- If you want to wear satin or silk but don't want to look too formal, dress it down by adding a simple jacket.
- Choose a lace dress for a sophisticated look. Lace is another fabric that can be dressed up or down, and it's very popular in the winter. Since it's an intricate and detailed fabric, you don't need to add many accessories - choose some great shoes and let the lace be the center of attention.[9]
EditAccessorizing the Dress - Choose shoes that match the color and length of your dress. Shoes are an important piece of any outfit, so make sure you spend some time deciding which ones will look (and feel!) the best.[10]
- If you're wearing a long dress, make sure to try your dress on with your shoes to ensure that the shoe height is correct - you don't want your dress to be dragging on the ground all night.
- Whether you're wearing high heels or flats, it's typically good to choose a shoe color one shade darker than your dress, and black is always a safe choice.
- Pick out jewelry that goes with the style and color of your dress. Your jewelry should complement your dress, not overshadow it. Choose a maximum of three pieces and match your jewelry to the dress's features.
- Pay attention to your dress's neckline and choose a necklace that will frame it nicely.[11]
- Wear outerwear that matches your dress and is weather-appropriate. Since New Year's Eve is one of the chilliest holidays, you're going to need a jacket of some sort to keep warm.
- If you know you'll be spending the majority of the time inside, a shawl, sweater, or light jacket are good options.
- If you're worried about being cold while outside, opt for warmer outerwear, such as a fur coat or a leather jacket.
- Add a scarf, hat, or tights to your outfit to stay warm and stylish. If you're still worried about being cold or know you'll be ringing in the New Year outside, bundle up with additional warm accessories such as a knit scarf or fleece lined leggings.
- Comfort is key - make sure your dress isn't too long, tight, or uncomfortable so that you're sure to enjoy the night.
- If online shopping for a dress, be sure to know your dress size and shop plenty of time before New Year's Eve to account for added shipping days and possible returns.
- Dress for your body type - find out which styles of dresses look best on you and complement your form.
- Get a second opinion from a friend or family member if you're unsure of which dress to choose.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Sew on a Wig Posted: 19 Dec 2017 12:00 AM PST When you wear a wig, you have the option of gluing it on or sewing it into place. While gluing a wig on may be less time consuming, it will only hold your wig in place for a day. If you want to wear the same wig for a week or more, then sewing the wig into place using a weave needle and thread is the way to go. EditPreparing Your Hair and the Wig - Choose a lace wig. Lace wigs will provide you with the most realistic looking results because they have a sheer cap. This allows portions of your scalp to show through the wig when the hair is parted. It also allows you to blend your natural hair with the wig hair.[1]
- Braid your hair. To sew in a wig, your hair will need to be in several tight braids against your head. You can braid your hair yourself, have a friend braid it for you, or get your hair professionally braided. Aim for something similar to cornrows or beehive braids.[2]
- If your hair is long, then you might need to secure some of the braids using bobby pins so that they will not be visible outside of the wig.
- You may want to leave a thin strip of hair loose around the hairline to achieve a more natural appearance. However, the rest of your hair should be braided.
- Try on the wig. Next, take your wig and put it on how you intend to wear it. Make sure to line up the edges of the wig with your natural hairline. Also, make sure that the wig is covering your braids.[3]
- Place clips to hold the wig while you sew. You do not need to use clips, but they can be helpful for ensuring that you are sewing the wig in the right position. They can also help to keep the wig hair out of the way as you sew, which may be necessary for a long hair wig. Place clips as needed to hold the wig and to keep the hair out of the way while you sew.[4]
- Cut the lace as needed to match your natural hairline. With the wig on your head, it will be easier to see any spots where the lace extends too far past your natural hairline. Look for areas where the lace is extending beyond your natural hairline and then cut these areas.[5]
- Make sure to cut the wig backing only and avoid cutting any hair that is attached to the wig in other areas.
- If you've left some of your own hair loose around your hairline, use your fingers or a crochet hook to pull pieces of hair through the holes in the lace. This may help you to achieve a more blended, natural-looking hairline.
- Thread a hair weaving needle with 18" (46 cm) weave thread. A hair weave needle is a curved and somewhat blunt needle. Weave thread is also thicker than regular sewing thread. Thread the weaving needle with about 18" (46 cm) of thread and tie a knot in the end of the thread.[6]
- You can purchase a hair weave needle and thread at a beauty supply store.
EditSewing at Strategic Points - Part the wig hair just behind your ears going up and over your head. A good place to sew the first seam across your wig is right behind your ears and extending up and over the top of the back part of your head. Use a comb or your fingers to part the wig hair running from one ear to the other and going up and over the top of the back part of your head.[7]
- If you are using a frontal wig, then the lace will usually end just behind your ears.[8] This should make it easy to part your wig.
- Sew into your braided natural hair from ear to ear. Insert your weave needle through the wig and into the braid underneath it. Be careful not to sew down too far or you may stick your scalp with the needle. Continue sewing in a straight line from one ear to the other.[9]
- Make the stitches about ½" (1.3 cm) apart.
- If you are using a frontal wig, then sew along or near the back edge of the frontal. This should be just behind your ears since frontals are only about 4" (10 cm) wide from front to back.[10]
- Sew into the hair in front of your ears. The next place to sew the wig is the area in front of your ears near your temples. Most natural hairlines come to a point in this area. Sew along the edges of the wig in this area to secure this part of the wig in place.[11]
- Part the wig hair where you wouldn't normally part it and sew. The last places you will need to sew are areas where you do not normally part the wig hair. This will ensure that the seam will be hidden while still securing your wig across the top of your head. Locate a couple of areas where you never part your wigs and part the wig hair using a comb or your fingers. Then, sew across the parts.[12]
- For example, if you always part your wig hair down the center, then you can part the wig hair to the side and sew along this area going from the front to the back of the wig. Then, part the wig on the opposite side and sew across the wig in the same way.
- Be careful not to sew too far back. Stop before you reach the crown, or else the stitches might show.
- Cut and tie the thread when you finish sewing. After you finish sewing your wig in place, cut the thread away from the needle and then tie it into a knot. Cut the excess thread off from the knot as well.
EditStyling and Maintaining Your Wig - Use a toothbrush to blend in the edges of the wig with your baby hairs. To give your wig an even more natural look, you can use a toothbrush to comb and tease out some of your baby hairs along the edges of the wig. Get an old toothbrush and drag it along the edges of your hairline to bring out some of your baby hairs.[13]
- Wash your wig hair as needed. Whether the wig is human hair or synthetic hair, you will need to wash the wig to maintain it. Wash your wig after wearing it for about 10 days total, or any time you get sweaty, such as after a workout.[14]
- Keep in mind that you cannot blow dry a synthetic wig after washing it. A synthetic wig will have to air dry after you wash it.
- Style a human hair wig like your own hair. Wigs that are made from human hair are the most versatile and high quality wigs available. If your wig is made from human hair, then you can blow dry, style, and even dye the hair. You can use curling irons and flat irons on the hair and add styling products to make your style last longer.[15]
- If your wig is synthetic, then you cannot use heat styling methods or dye the hair. However, you can still wash it and style it using non-heat styling, such as by putting foam rollers in the hair overnight to make it curly.
- Comb or brush out your wig daily. Wig hair gets tangled the same as your natural hair, so it is important to comb and/or brush out your wig hair daily. Start from the ends of the wig hair and work up towards your scalp. Make sure to brush or comb your hair gently to avoid pulling out hair from the wig.
- If you have any stubborn tangles, lightly mist the area with a leave-in conditioner to help loosen them.
- Wear a satin cap at night to protect the wig while you sleep. After you go to all of the hard work of sewing a wig into place, make sure that the hair stays smooth and does not get tangled while you sleep. You can do this by wearing a satin cap over your wig while you sleep. When you remove the cap in the morning, your hair will still require some brushing and styling, but it will be mostly tangle-free.[16]
- If you don't want to wear a cap while you sleep, consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase instead.
EditThings You'll Need - Wig
- Scissors
- Crochet hook (optional)
- Weave needle
- Weave thread
- Comb
- Toothbrush
- Leave-in conditioner (optional)
- Satin cap or pillowcase
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment