Chickens very skittish

[LLL]

Hi We have 5 Isa Browns -- 2 we had as very young chicks and we held them every day so they would get used to being held. Approx. 5-6 weeks later we got 3 more that were the same age. They all went outside together in a large enclosure. I have read that ISA Browns are cuddly and lovable and we have found them to be quite the opposite. We can't get near them to pet them or pick them up. Any ideas on how to get them to be friendlier? They are somewhat more approachable at night when tired but we were hoping to teach them not to run away every time we try to pet them. Thank you in advance for any feedback/suggestions.

 

[sourland]

As prey animals most poultry do not like being approached and grabbed especially from above. Feed/treats are the great equalizer. Have them come to you to socialize and get treats. Even then most will not readily take to being picked up or even touched until they completely trust you.

 

[50-45-1]

Take a lawn chair out sit down and throw them tiny bits of bread or shuck some field corn. Something they realy like.
Do this every day, throwing the treet less far each day.
Dont move fast or let other people or critters spook them.
Talk soothingly to them. Soon you might one to eat out of your hand.
They will come to view you as someone who comes and good things happen, instead of fear you.
This same technique works with horses to only use a carrot or apple.
Im not sure chickens like to be picked up, its more a thing some learn to tolerate.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock! I hope you enjoy it here as much as we do!

 

[Ra_]

Take a lawn chair out sit down and throw them tiny bits of bread or shuck some field corn. Something they really like.
Do this every day, throwing the treet less far each day.
Dont move fast or let other people or critters spook them.
Talk soothingly to them. Soon you might one to eat out of your hand.
They will come to view you as someone who comes and good things happen, instead of fear you.

That's similar to how I raise chicks if I want them to be supertame.
I've got 6 Rainbow Rocks right now. They'll be a month old on Monday.
Three of them will now jump into my lap and let me pet them when I sit near them.
Once they lose their fear of you, birds will initiate the contact.

 

[Chick or Treat]

Just hanging out in the coop/run long enough might also get them used to you. After a while, try hand feeding them! They will gain better trust that way!

 

[bobshere]

I find they really tame down when they start laying eggs.