Chickens not bonding well to us?

[FLMotoChick]

We have 7 chickens. 5 young ones (2 Barred Rock, 2 Easter Eggers, 1 Buff) that we've raised since they were 2 weeks.

They were great when they were little, but now that they are older they want nothing to do with us. I work from home so I go out to their coop & run every few hours to say hey, give them treats, and try to bond with them but they keep running away. We've never been mean to them, hurt them, etc.

Is this normal for them to behave like this at 3 months? Any tips on bonding with your chicks?

 

[Arya28]

Hi! I’ll tell you why they aren’t being cuddly right now- hormones. They are currently experiencing a hormone overload and are embarrassed to be seen with their parents

But on a more serious note, yes it is normal because they really are coming into their hormones now. How many of them are boys and girls? It can happen with both though.

As long as they aren’t being aggressive towards you, that’s a good thing. Ours at that age always ran to us for food but didn’t really want to cuddle. But also it can depend on breed, some at that age always fly into our shoulder.

Taking them treats and spending time with them is a good thing! It will get them more used to you and help them understand you are part of their “flock”- just make sure they know you’re the leader of the flock! Lol. Keep spending time with them, maybe pick them up and hold them for a little bit too. Also, when you give them treats, make them take some from your hand.

We are always picking up ours up and cuddling with them! I know it sounds ridiculous but as they get older they are more friendly and want to be around you more if you do. Then again , sometimes they give you the cold shoulder after all the hard work you do for them. They’re funny, they’re chickens. But they’re cute and we love them anyways!

 

[aart]

Chickens are prey animals, it's their instinct to run away when reached for from above.
Just read a tip where someone trained them to jump up onto a table in the run for treats, then they are less likely to bolt when picked up.

They may also be going thru a juvenile molt and not want to be touched much.

I'd be careful with bringing them treats every time you go to the coop,
can create a bad habit.

Overall, most chickens won't ever like to be touched much...that's why I have a dog

 

[Chickassan]

They go through a stage when they juvenile molt where their little brains go on vacation. People tend to lose more chickens during this stage than any other time. Your barred rocks and Orpington might come back and be at least semi touchable the easter eggers will probably stay flighty.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

.... They were great when they were little, but now that they are older they want nothing to do with us....

Look at things through your chickens' eyes. Here is the big old scary things (you & I) who tower over the chickens and may ever make some Frankenstein like attempts to catch or pick up your chicks. It is a thousand wonders that your chicks have not runaway from home already.

 

[rosemarythyme]

A lot of it has to do with their age. They'll calm down once they reach point of lay. For now, just keep spending time with them - for example, sitting and offering them treats - but don't chase after them. You'll be amazed at how much calmer they get once they get past the adolescent phase.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I agree with the rest. It is age related as well as prey instinct.

Try sitting on the ground or a low stool and offering treats. That will help you look less scary.

Don't expect them to be cuddly if they don't initiate it (which at this point, they won't). Just calmly sit in their space without movement. Let them get used to you as a safe presence.

Go slow, be gentle. Respect their space.

Those that are naturally more outgoing will in time become quite calm in your presence and may tolerate petting, which you then encourage with special treats.

Some will grow into lap chickens if you let them. Others will stay an arm's length away at all times. Never chase them to get close to them.

Never allow them to demand treats however, or you create spoiled monsters.

LofMc