Hoping I am doing the right thing, would like some advice. Please.

[Sonya9]

Give them more time but realize they probably won't ever be like the super tame chickens you imagined having. They will eventually get used to going outside but it may take several weeks. Next spring get some young chicks to add to the flock and tame them starting that first week. Try to get breeds that are known to be very friendly when you buy chicks so you will have a few very friendly birds in the flock (i.e. Buff Orpingtons, Cochins, maybe even bantams).

It sounds like these birds were kept in sub-standard conditions but realize most birds won't be all that tame unless they were raised that way from hatch, so even if you bought birds form someone that had a lovely large free range setup they would still be pretty wild/untouchable in many cases.

 

[mviera101]

You might select one hen to single out and separate to work with along and maybe you could win her over by herself and focus on getting her broken and then let the others see that she trusts you and then let them follow the leader.

Choosing one gal to show how great a bond can be ,That is an awesome idea. So many great ideas! You are doing all the right things, The 3 T's Time-- Treats and Temperament.
I have a new gal(Maizey) that is also skittish, she was raised in a coop and never held either. She chooses to roost in the patio instead of the coop. Before I put her in the coop, I take some time to hold and pet her, she's slowly coming around.

 

[jjacks1]

Be patient! Spend time with them quietly. Theyll come around! But, it will take time!
What breed are they? Some breeds are just flighty.

I have no idea what they are. Asked my neighbor who gave them to me and he didn't know. I believe the white one is a leghorn? Maybe? She's low man on the totem pole and the other hens bully her a bit. But she seems to be the most receptive so far.

 

[The Happster]

I have no idea what they are. Asked my neighbor who gave them to me and he didn't know. I believe the white one is a leghorn? Maybe? She's low man on the totem pole and the other hens bully her a bit. But she seems to be the most receptive so far.

Got any photos?
We can help identify the breed, and I'd like to meet them.

 

[jjacks1]

Give them more time but realize they probably won't ever be like the super tame chickens you imagined having. They will eventually get used to going outside but it may take several weeks. Next spring get some young chicks to add to the flock and tame them starting that first week. Try to get breeds that are known to be very friendly when you buy chicks so you will have a few very friendly birds in the flock (i.e. Buff Orpingtons, Cochins, maybe even bantams).

It sounds like these birds were kept in sub-standard conditions but realize most birds won't be all that tame unless they were raised that way from hatch, so even if you bought birds form someone that had a lovely large free range setup they would still be pretty wild/untouchable in many cases.

Hate to criticize my neighbor, but I am not impressed with how he keeps his chickens either. But he's been a farmer all his life so I'm sure he knows more than I do. On the other hand, he has cattle, sheep and goats and is a busy farmer. So no doubt he has no time to be worried about petting anything! LOL Surely there has to be a middle ground somewhere between seeing animals as financial assets and me being silly and besotted with my hens?

 

[jjacks1]

Got any photos?
We can help identify the breed, and I'd like to meet them.

Only decent pic I have of them and it's not very good. They're skittish so I figured I would have plenty of time down the road to take better pictures.

 

[Sonya9]

Hate to criticize my neighbor, but I am not impressed with how he keeps his chickens either. But he's been a farmer all his life so I'm sure he knows more than I do. On the other hand, he has cattle, sheep and goats and is a busy farmer. So no doubt he has no time to be worried about petting anything! LOL Surely there has to be a middle ground somewhere between seeing animals as financial assets and me being silly and besotted with my hens?

Not taming them isn't an issue. Most of my hens are not tame (they were raised by broodies). Lots of chickens have very nice lives and good setups but are not tame.

Keeping them in small cages indoors is another matter entirely though. They don't need to be handled by humans to be happy, but grass, sunshine, and room to roam/excercise/peck around outdoors is something they should all have outside of a production grow house or commercial battery house (well those birds should have it too but that is another matter).

 

[aart]

Only decent pic I have of them and it's not very good. They're skittish so I figured I would have plenty of time down the road to take better pictures.

Your ramp is way too steep, but easy fix-put a concrete block(16") under the low end.
Do it after they go to sleep tonight so as not to freak them out.

 

[The Happster]

Leghorn looks correct.
Barred Rock in there.
There's what looks like a Welsummer but the foot colour is off.
Woah that's a steep ramp.

 

[RobertaD1]

Hate to criticize my neighbor, but I am not impressed with how he keeps his chickens either. But he's been a farmer all his life so I'm sure he knows more than I do. On the other hand, he has cattle, sheep and goats and is a busy farmer. So no doubt he has no time to be worried about petting anything! LOL Surely there has to be a middle ground somewhere between seeing animals as financial assets and me being silly and besotted with my hens?

Hhhhmmmmm.... been around old farmers my whole life, never seen one who keeps their birds in cages. I would dearly love to meet this man to see his reasons. All the old farmers around here (my family included) thought I was silly for having a run Mostly, their birds free range, and they lock them up at night. I'm sure he is totally sweet, but his chicken methods have me wondering. You are not being silly or ridiculous. You are being a careful owner. You need to have some sort of relationship with your livestock to get in there and work with them....period! Dont take his animal raising methods as normal.... many of us who have larger animals build relationships with ALL our stock.