How do I get my chicken to like me?

[BuffOrps416]

I've read that giving treats is the way to a chicken's heart, but for me it's not the case. I think that when my hen was I baby my little brother (five years old little) wasn't nice to her and now she hates people. How do I turn this around, I want my hen to like me. The worst part is, she never lets me touch her and hates if I pick her up, so it is hard to know when she is sick and even harder to know if I should do something. Help!

 

[XxMingirlxX]

When you give treats hold them out and try to get them to eat out of your hand. Don't chase them and hold them regularly, it takes a while but she will slowly begin to trust you.

 

[newmarch2014]

My chickens were handled and always treated well and they hate to be held. One does not mind being close but she ruffles up if I am holding her, the rest just try to get away so don't take it personally. Finding the right treats for them is one way to at least get them closer and more tame. Mine love love love dried mealworms and will come and sit and eat out of my hand if I have some. They also love crushed up dried egg shells and chopped up boiled eggs. Those are the things that make them willing to brave being next to me. lots of patience and desensetizing them is the key to them being more friendly.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thank You! I will try not to hold ( or attempt to hold) that chicken until she gains my trust. As for the treats, I'll just use the guess and check method to see what appeals to her/them most and what will make them come running.

One problem may be that each night I have to chase after each chicken to get her into the coop. They will eventually go in themselves, but pretty late when animals that would find them tasty are lurking about. Any ideas that might get them to go in at a safe time without me having to chase after them? Putting treats in the doorway doesn't seem to work.

 

[newmarch2014]

Nope, mine are all very good about going to roost but they refuse to do it till it is almost full sun set. They are like 8 year olds when it comes to bed time. Mine are in a safe run so I just suck it up and wait till they go in for the night even though it is past my bed prefered time.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Okay, but my run is not a closed one… Guess I'll just think of something.

 

[ChickenMommy18]

It could just be the breed. Some chickens just aren't really a friendly breed. I have some Iowa blues that will follow me around but they don't want any thing to do with me. Hamburgs are also another skittish breed.

 

[BuffOrps416]

The thing is, they are both BOs, which I was told to be the friendliest breed

 

[mortie]

Don't be so quick to blame your brother. Some chickens are not fond of people, no matter how they were treated as babies, and regardless of breed. Even if he did not handle her gently when she was a baby, that may not even be related to her behavior now.

You should try bribing them into the coop instead of chasing them. It's SO much more efficient and fun for them vs stressful. Even if it doesn't work the first day, they will soon realize that the sight of you with the treat cup or whatever means FOOD! In addition, you can cash in on the fact that chickens tend to do what other chickens are doing. If one of mine runs into the coop, they tend to start to follow.

Sometimes no matter what you do, a bird just will not be your friend. Sorry. I have got one that would rather die than come into contact with a human and she was treated like a princess from the moment she hatched in my house. She just doesn't like people, and that's okay. I have others that allow themselves to be picked up and cuddled and it just is what it is. It's not a reflection on you of some failing on your part as a chicken keeper. You just can't charm all of them. Sometimes the harder you try the less they want to do with you.

 

[mortie]

Also I know you said putting treats by the coop doorway doesn't work - that's not what I am talking about. I am talking about going out there and letting them see you with treats. It helps to have a special treat cup or something so they know what's coming when they see that. Mine come running when i go out to put them away - even the one who doesn't like people.