Do my chickens hate me?

[alaskachick]

I have been reading many of your posts. Lots of them tell of how your chickens enjoy you as much as you enjoy them. You tell how they walk up to you, sit on your lap and even squat showing you as the dominant one. I have been very envious of you because when my chickens see me coming they take off running. Actually they take off running when anyone comes around. They are seven 14 wk Delware pullets. I also have two red sex links and two white leghorns. I have had them for 1 month and they have a huge coop and yard. They are totally protected from danger. I sit and watch them several times a day so I would think they would be familiar with me, but as soon as I come in the gate... they all take off to the opposite side of they coop and stay there in a bunch. I feed them treats such as this green fern that grows here in Alaska that they absolutely love. Is this an age thing or are my chickens just shy? Do they usually grow out of this shyness? I want my chickens to be friendly. Thanks for your advice and Happy 4th of July!

 

[Iluvmypeeps]

You're doing the right thing by staying out there with them while they orage, this will slowly increase their trust in you. To speed it up, continue offering them their favorite treats. Have patience, because trust is something to be earned with birds; and really any animal.

Understand that chickens are prey animals in the wild, so that means they don't instinctually bond with their owners unless at a young age. A good way to start a bond is to hold and cuddle the bird from a very young age; almost from birth if possible. They will grow up with this, and understand that not only are you safe, but you can give yummy treats and neckrubs.

 

[Iluvmypeeps]

Oh; and a very happy 4th of July to you, too!

 

[easttxchick]

I have a one word solution to your problem: grapes.

Mine will absolutely mow me(and each other down) when they see me coming with grapes.

 

[tasymo]

I have found that with my Girls, handling them really makes a difference. I would try picking them up in the evenings, after they've gone to roost. This is when they are most docile and relaxed. Maybe do one bird each night for awhile. Hold her gently but firmly so she feels secure, but not trapped. Talk to her softly and maybe gently scratch her neck under her feathers. This way they will learn that you can be trusted not to hurt them. There will be times when you need to pick up your hens, like injuries or illness, so it is important that they let you without too much fuss. Good Luck!!

 

[patandchickens]

They're young. They'll figure out eventually that you are the food lady. Then you will have trouble keeping them *away* from you, LOL

Sit out there in a chair and read a book (like it sounds like you're already doing) with a pan of really good food (like some cracked corn, or berries, or watermelon rind). If they won't approach you, or haven't yet been trained to recognize the pan as a food source, you may need to put the food fairly far from you. Do this for a while every day. As time passes you will be able to put the pan closer and closer to you. Soon they will be wandering under your chair and pecking at your shoes and bugging you for a second helping

Indeed, unless your chickens are *really* paranoid, this may only take a few days.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Chickengal505]

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[patman75]

Quote:
Yes! Grapes, they will run anything over in their path for grapes. After a few times with Grapes they will come running if you have anything purple in your hand.

 

[math ace]

My leghorns will run to the fence or stand at my feet for treats. However, there is no way they want me picking them up.

If you have only had your girls for a month and were a couple of months old when you got them - - - - then be patient.
You don't know how much socialization they had before you got them. If they were socialized, then they bonded to that person.
They will have to learn to trust you. I bring mine treats of bread or live bugs. Take a chair in the coop. Sit there and hand out treats of bread. If they won't come to you - - -throw some to them, next time throw some a little closer to you, next time throw the bread even closer to you. Keep bring them in closer until they realize you are not a threat. Instead you are a "Treat"