How do i get snuggles?

[Rebechenson75]

I'm not sure if this is the right place but here we are.
I admit that as a new chicken tender I was intimidated by my birds tiny fragile looking bodies and wings. I was always afraid I might injured a wing or something when I picked them up.
Now I am a little afraid of them pecking at me so I try to respect their desire for no touches. Doesn't mean I don't push it a bit.
Over the last 2 weeks I make daily visits to the run and sit with them. I offer bribes for touches. They all flock to me and most will accept food from. My hand now. A couple of them will snuggle down next to my chair. My Marans let's me pet her. My roo likes to tug at my pant leg to get my attention, then gets on top of the tote that I'd in the run and stares at me until I acknowledge him.

How do I get them to allow me to hold them. Or atleadt puck them up, without them having complete meltdowns. I feel that achieving this would be a help if one gets injured or sick.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You don’t force it and allow them to choose. Most chickens will not like to be picked up and that’s okay. They are not like dogs or cats because chickens are prey and the thought of having a larger being wrap their arms around them goes against every instinct that has been engrained into them. Picture if a giant showed up one day, kept you contained in a house at night only allowing you to go outside during the day and then randomly grabbed you trying to hold you whenever they so pleased. That is what chickens are going through and it can be terrifying. Eventually they will become used to the giant being there, but that doesn’t mean they want to be cuddly pets. If they are sick or injured wait until they are roosting at night to pick them up. They will be much easier to handle and even flighty chickens will be much more docile when half asleep on the roost.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You don’t force it and allow them to choose. Most chickens will not like to be picked up and that’s okay. They are not like dogs or cats because chickens are prey and the thought of having a larger being wrap their arms around them goes against every instinct that has been engrained into them. Picture if a giant showed up one day, kept you contained in a house at night only allowing you to go outside during the day and then randomly grabbed you trying to hold you whenever they so pleased. That is what chickens are going through and it can be terrifying. Eventually they will become used to the giant being there, but that doesn’t mean they want to be cuddly pets. If they are sick or injured wait until they are roosting at night to pick them up. They will be much easier to handle and even flighty chickens will be much more docile when half asleep on the roost.

I agree.

Adding that since you have a male handling HIS hens can lead to him feeling the need to protect them from you. No one wants flogged...

 

[Rebechenson75]

You don’t force it and allow them to choose. Most chickens will not like to be picked up and that’s okay. They are not like dogs or cats because chickens are prey and the thought of having a larger being wrap their arms around them goes against every instinct that has been engrained into them. Picture if a giant showed up one day, kept you contained in a house at night only allowing you to go outside during the day and then randomly grabbed you trying to hold you whenever they so pleased. That is what chickens are going through and it can be terrifying. Eventually they will become used to the giant being there, but that doesn’t mean they want to be cuddly pets. If they are sick or injured wait until they are roosting at night to pick them up. They will be much easier to handle and even flighty chickens will be much more docile when half asleep on the roost.

I haven't forced it. I figured it was best to let them get use to me and being touched.
I guess I'm actually getting this part right.
It is working just slowly. I guess patience is going to have to do.
Thank you.

 

[TooCheep]

Yup. Patience and treats are keys. Ideally, you would start by handling them when they are chicks, but that doesn't sounds like it is relevant here.

Understand that chickens have individual personalities. Some are more food-oriented, more curious/inquisitive, more athletic/dominant and some are more people-friendly. Even with a lot of time and attention and treats, only some chickens will be willing to be petted and handled.

 

[Rebechenson75]

I have one that seems to be a loner. Near the chicken pile but not in.

 

[TooCheep]

I have one that seems to be a loner. Near the chicken pile but not in.

Yup. They are individuals. Don't force it, but enjoy those that do allow petting/holding.