I used to lean over a tall brooding pen with cardboard sides. This would startle the chicks in seeing an aerial predator. Then I started entering the brooding pen by opening one of the removeable side panels. The chicks would be curious and come to me head on, instead of running away to safety from a big monster reaching over the wall from above. I raised mine in my office where I spent most of the time with them. They always see me, hear my voice and are picked up and held a lot.
I picked out a favorite early on, a Black Sex Link. She spends time with me in bed while watching tv and follows me around the house. I noticed a substantial difference in pet quality between her and the other hens that didn't get as much attention. Thanks for sharing this article with us.