Handling them does make them friendlier. Some birds just don't like being held much. I have a few hatchery EEs I handled quite a bit as chicks that don't care to be picked up or held, but they like to follow me around and just hang out with me. If I offer a treat there is no hesitation to take it. I have one silkie x EE I hatched out a year ago that has been the most spaztastic, flighty thing. I couldn't touch her or get her to take a treat from me. She's been feeling more comfortable since I got the silkies and has finally decided that letting me touch and feed her is a good thing. She will shove others out of the way now. I think she must have hit her head for that personality change to loving.
The ameraucanas I have were handled a lot as chicks from the person I got them from. Friendly is not the word for what they are. They loved to snuggle with me if I like it or not. I can't turn my back or I have the pullet riding on my shoulder all snuggled in. I can go about all my chores with her just laying against my neck happy as can be to be with me. The little cockerel follows me around begging for me to pick him up and scratch his neck.
