Getting chickens to gain trust? Help

[aart]

I do think you may be expecting a little too much....those people cuddling their birds?.....most have spent a LOT of time getting to that point, like hours every day.

Even with my most 'trusting' and handling tolerant birds, I have to do some chasing and grabbing to get a hold of them during the day.
Even the 2 that really seem to want to be held, and come up to me 'asking' for it, seem to be unable to resist shying away when I actually reach for them.
They still even give a squawk when I pick them up, but once I get a hold of them they calm right down.

I'd not worry about it too much, if they are hurt bad enough to be needed to be got a hold of they will be easier to catch.
I move slow with arms out to get them into a corner, often they will submit once trapped there.
Then move fast but calmly, using both hands to hold wings to body so they can't struggle.

Going into coop at night after dark and picking them up, again keep wings held down-football hold, talking softly touching them all over just for a few minutes a couple times a week can habituate them to being touched and to recognize your voice. They kind of learn that 'I will not die if that human touches me'. This will also get you used to how to hold and handle them, which will make you calmer and more confident when you do have to grab one in an emergency.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[sebloc]

They're nervous when you swoop your hands down because they think it's a flying predator such as a hawk. That's part of the reason why I think they're scared of me.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am with the just sit in the run with them. half an hour each day. I drank a cup of coffee. Did not talk, did not move, just sat there. Eventually I would slowly toss a little treat a couple of feet from me, day after day. One day one jumped up in my lap.

However, since then, I have found, I really don't want them sitting on my lap, too close to my eyes. Mine generally are comfortable with me, but not real pets. To each their own way of doing this wonderful hobby.

MRs K

 

[Tg63]

I never handle my birds other than for a reason too have to pick them up...They are great the way they are...Just enjoy them...I sure do...

Some of us want to socialise with chickens make them our pets there is nothing wrong with that.. I know lots of people who socialised with the chickens just fine