First you need to realize that chickens are not cuddly puppies and kittens. While some chickens do like being held they are the exception not the rule and only become that way through a lot of gentle patience. Chickens are prey and you are a towering giant to them. Think of it this way, one day you wake up in a completely different place and then there is this towering giant who wants to hold and cuddle you. This giant wants to be your friend, but you don't know that because you're absolutely terrified that it just wants to turn you into the sunday roast and then grind your bones for bread after. The giant keeps forcing you into it's arms and your screaming for someone to help you before the giant breaks your neck or tries to take a bite out of you. To top it off neither of you speak the same language and every move the giant makes seems aggressive because the giant is so large, fast and loud compared to you. That's what's going through your chicken's heads right now. You are the giant to them and they are worried about becoming dinner. However, there are things you can do to make yourself seem less like a scary towering blood thirsty giant. As other have mentioned sitting with them more at their level so they can get to know you on their terms helps quite a bit. Other things you can do: avoid quick loud movements around them, talking gently, giving them time to associate you with food (chickens are very food motivated), not hovering over them and not forcing them down to be held. Forming a bond with your chickens is like any other relationship the key is to practice patience, respect how they are feeling, realize that they are all individuals with their own personalities and not force things.
