How do i get my chickens to like me

[Bob the chicken man]

I've had my chickens for 3 months now and they are really skittish. Only one really comes up to me and even then she is skittish. Does any one know a way to get them to come up to you. I have 3 hens (hopefully) and 1 rooster that for some reason will never crow and wont even allow me to be 3 feet away from him. So can anyone help with this.





To help with my other thread click here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-type-of-chicken-is-this.1178549/page-4#post-18574717

 

[Kiki]

Treats and time.
Sit on the ground and offer a few treats from your hand.
Let them get used to you.

 

[Bob the chicken man]

Treats and time.
Sit on the ground and offer a few treats from your hand.
Let them get used to you.

I have tried that and they come up but I've been doing it since i put them in the coop which was probably when they were about two months. Is it a time consuming thing?

 

[Kiki]

Looks like they are still young. I glanced at your other thread.
Just wait.
Bring treats every day..try shaking the same can/container then offering them treats from it. (meal worms are great)..they will get used to that can and noise and learn to come to you when you shake it.

 

[Bob the chicken man]

well i've been giving them collard greens and this thing called dollar weed but that doesn't come in a can. Should i try giving them treats that come in a can. If so what are some good options.

 

[Kiki]

Sorry...I should have been more clear...mealworms placed in a can, shaken around....makes noise that they will learn to recognize.
Greens won't make much noise if placed in a can.
You could try some dried oats.

Read the link in my signature about proper feeding...you wouldn't want to offer too much treats.

 

[Kiki]

I don't know of any chicken treats that come in a can..I just used to put some in a can to shake to train mine when they were young.

 

[Bob the chicken man]

Ok i also sometimes feed them cheerios. There food that i feed them (not the treats) is chick starter pellets. Is ok if i use those or is it not good to use there actual food as a treat.

 

[Kiki]

Not something I would feed but..place them in a can and shake it...let them get use to the sound.

 

[Bob the chicken man]

Can they not have cheerios. i don't give them it to often maybe every once and awhile.