How do I get my chicken to like me?

[Blooie]

I have one that was hatched under a broody, but got frostbitten feet. So he came in the house to live while he recovered. As part of his treatment, he got to soak in a "hot tub" twice a day. He loved it! He got wrapped in a preheated dry washcloth when his bath was over. He loved it. He sat on our laps from time to time. He loved it. He was hand fed treats. He loved it.

Now he's 6 months old today. He hates me. Won't come near me. If I am out working in the run or the coop, he stays as far away from me as he can. He's not aggressive toward me - he just avoids me like I had a hatchet hiding behind my back. Silly chickens! Who knows why they develop these little personality quirks! I just leave him be. He has his space and I have mine. If I had to pick him up to examine him I could, but I'd have to have hubby catch him. He likes Ken. <sigh> I think we worry too much about them liking us. They're chickens. They aren't dogs or cats. As long as they aren't taking our faces off when we step into the coop it's all good.


Scout totally relaxed in his Hot Tub


And snuggled in his Spa towel afterwards.


Scout now.

 

[newmarch2014]

Start with your most friendly bird. Get some dried mealworms (a sure fire loved treat for almost every chicken). Get close enough to sprinkle a couple/few on the ground where she can see it hit and then sit down near with a few in your palm. Put a few in a plastic cup before you start (the sound is what you are looking for) when she is eating them shake the cup so she hears the rattle noise. Do this for a couple days and when you shake the cup if she is across the yard she will come quick usually. If one chicken sees her high tailing it to you they will want to know why, and do the same process with them. You don't have to use too many since they are not cheap and they are just a treat but they are effective lures. with mine it is the sound of the bag opening, they hear me grab that bag and they are all charging me. 2 of mine still wont be friends with me but they will brave my hand for mealworms. Luckily mine will usually squat when I come near so I use that opportunity to grab them for a health check. I do it often since sometimes they go a few days not letting me get near enough. You are right though, my Buffs are my easier birds and one of them is my favorite hen, quick to jump up near me to see if I have a treat or to follow my husband around if he has a tool in his hand because she has learned that shovels mean great eats. Just for future reference, I just got some Brahmas, they are rumored to be sweet, docile and friendly birds, mine are only almost 8 weeks but they so far are very calm and allow handling with no drama.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thank you to everyone who responded! Your information is so valuable, I will try everything and see how it goes.

 

[Kadu]

I used to be the same way about my chickens. Now I enjoy sitting on a chair and watching them. They do follow me around the yard if I'm holding something in my hands. That is more than enough attention for me lol I gave them mealworms, it took them one bag of mealworms to come running when I shake the bag. Classical conditioning. Make sure to shake the bag as you give the treats. I don't have any that can resist the mealworms =D
Sometimes I have all 60 of them RUNNING towards me.

Also, you can touch them at night when its dark. That's the only way I can , at least. That's when I do my daily checks, to see if everything is ok.. Everyone gets a pat on the back. =) I can even pet my leghorn that usually FLIES around, at night.