Good way to pet chickens?

[downtownjb80]

I have 6 ISA Browns and from what I have read, other peoples hens of this breed are really friendly: jumping up on them to be petted. My chickens are friendly enough as they eat out of my hands and are really nosey, but they don't climb on me and when I go to pick them up they walk away or try to escape. Is there anything I can do to make them want to be petted as my daughter loves to play with them?

 

[Animalian]

any prey animal hate being caught because in the wild being caught = death.

Try to lure them onto you, sit on the ground and hold the treats in your hand close to your body so they have to jump on your leg to get to it. Every time you catch them your putting them back a step. Eventually they will realise your ok and will climb all over you as they please!

If I HAVE to 'catch' them, I find they are calmer if I just put my hand between their legs and scoop them up rather than holding over the wings or restricting them in any way. If they flap away I let them, then just try again. They're fine as long as they know they have the option of getting away.