How can I get my chickens to like me more

[Naughty]

mine love sundays - that is waffle day at my house - and i always throw a few more on the waffle iron for the girls

 

[Chickmate]

Quote:
Wow, what a great way to get them attached to you AND get you weeding done! Love it! I'll start tomorrow!

 

[bunnibird55]

Hmmm gdplum....do you mean I should be digging grass and weeds for my DH??? Lol, I dig worms for my chickies, do you think DH would enjoy the worms as much as the chickies do???? Hahaha!!!!

 

[Princessfarmer]

I tried to feed mine yogurt in a bowl and they just looked at it.... So I mixed it with their feed and they loved it! Lately when I go out the the coop I try to bring something with me. We are still in the trial and error stage but I think it's working! Thanks!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Talk softly, move slowly and give lots of snacks. Chasing and grabbing with fast, rough moves makes them more skittish. That's predator behavior. If you need to move them, use food as a lure to that spot. Once they trust you, they don't mind the handling. Mine don't, anyway. As chicks and pullets, they can be a little more nervous. They settle down when they're older and laying.

 

[Princessfarmer]

Well I don't think my chickens like broccoli....

 

[darin367]

we keep a small bucket in the pantry that we throw all kinds of table scraps in.... after they've been out in the yard a couple hours and it's time to get them back in the coop, my wife grabs the bucket and heads for the coop rattling the bucket around. they come running from near and far when they hear that bucket rattle and run right back into their pen..... if you have food they will do whatever you want them to do....

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Spinach leaves make my ladies go crazy! I just make sure I always have SOMETHING for them. Sunflower seeds, leftover pasta, whatever. Food is definantly the key to a hen's heart.

 

[ladybug99]

When mine were young I would pet each one as they roosted in the evening before I locked them up for the night. Usually around dusk they will automatically go into the coop and fly to the roost... they are much calmer then when they are out foraging during the day. I talked to them so they got use to my voice and They also don't mind being touched. Treats are also the best bribe in the world, and now they come a running when they hear my car pull in the drive way.....I still go in and pet them once in a while.... even my mean rooster seems to enjoy it

 

[kittycooks]

I agree with treats. However, I first pick up every willing chicken before I give them the mealworms or scratch grains. The friendly chickens get taken out of the run and several pecks at the cup of scratch within view of the others. I don't force the shy chickens and over a few months they watch and learn. I pick them up when they are willing - they squat and hold their wings out when I give them eye contact and say their name. I agree with woodlandwoman who said move slowly and never chase them. I work to socialize the flock when my children are not present to reduce stress. I also think it is important to talk to every shy one and tell them they are pretty even if they don't want to be picked up and eventually they crave the attention the others are getting.