Socialization

[paperdragonfarm]

I'll be getting 50 bantams from Cackle Hatchery soon, and as at least half of these birds will be kept for eggs (hopefully) I'd like to get them socialized to be friendly chickens. I've only taken care of our meat birds, which I had to take pains not to get attached to, so their socialization was minimal. What kinds of things do The People of Chicken Math do to get their precious' used to them?

 

[bullyforme]

I'm still socializing mine... I think banties are a little more timid than big girls. But with time, patience and most importantly YUMMY SNACKS they are starting to trust me. In fact, they are looking at me for protection and won't come out without me somewhere in the yard (due to the dog going after them the other day). BUT they still won't let me pick them up, I have to catch them.

ETA mine are 11 and 8 weeks old, and I've had them since they were 4 weeks old.

 

[paperdragonfarm]

What kinds of snacks do you use?

 

[bullyforme]

They love grapes, bread crumbs, canteloupe, you can experiment to find their favorites (most chickens have individual tastes!).