How do I encourage my chickens to be more "social"?

[slaclr]

I have about 35 hens, 5 chicks and 3 roosters (RIR's, silkies, orpingtons, leghorns, combos, americaunas) from 2 weeks to about 2 years. I love spending time with them, and when I catch them individually, they're usually OK with me holding them, but they're not all that excited about me hanging out with them. Is food the best way to tempt them to be more friendly/interested? Will holding them more help or are there other ways to "bond" with them. I love spending time with them - am I being unrealistic about their enthusiasm about me ;-).
Thanks!
Linda V.

 

[mrsc1951]

Food/treats is definitely the way to a chicken's heart but not all chickens seem to take to being held or even petted. I have some that will jump up on my lap when I sit outside with them and a couple that just don't seem to want any physical contact. They all gather around my feet and follow me especially if I have food or treats for them and all will eat out of my hands but no matter what I do or how much I try there are those that just don't want me to touch them. I still always make an effort to pick them all up in the event that for some reason I have to - injury or whatever.

 

[CrazyChookz]

Hi

You may want to tame your chickens if you haven't yet. Food is certainly a good way to make your chooks like you more. Try spending more time with them, and also bringing food. They will gradually become closer to you.
Always remember that some chooks may never be really close to you.
Try talking to your chooks. I may sound psycho but it increases your chook's happiness and they will live longer and lay longer.
It is also easier to bond with chooks if there are few, but in your case I don't think that will help.

Good Luck!

 

[Jersey Girl]

One word: MEALWORMS (or two??) My two oldest went from being skitty to lap chickens in one afternoon. Then when I ran out of mealworms she ate my earring...

 

[Mavrik]

I never use food as a "bonding agent", it's like paying someone to be your friend. What I do is hold every chick from day one, everyday or every other day for 5+ minutes. You with 35 chicks, this will take allot of time (I get 6 chicks at a time). What I end up with is all lap chickens (jump in my lap to be held). This actually has drawbacks, when they are full size, there is not enough room for everyone in my lap and everyone wants to be held, usually all at the same time.