How do I hand tame pullets?

[SunnyAlberta]

I'm new to chickens and just brought three home last night. The Buff Orpington is 12 weeks old and although she runs to the screen door when I approach the coop and will chat with me while I'm on the other side, as soon as I open the door she starts flapping and squacking and running away. When I put my hand towards her she pecks me. Any suggestions on how to get her to settle with me? She was raised in a barn with lots of "siblings". Our Wyandotte and Barred Rock are only six weeks and much tamer.

 

[nurse_turtle]

"Teenage phase". They will get over it. Offer favorite treats by hand. If they won't take it, place it on the ground with your hand beside it so they get used to your hand being near them without fearing it. Try shredded cheese, split grapes, clover, mealworms, or chopped meat. Mine fall for TUNA every time.

 

[devora]

Teenagers, what're ya gonna do, eh?

Treats are the way, as said above. And good advice on how to give them as well.

When they start to squat you'll be able to pick them up easily. If you do it often they can become quite docile.

Also, they use their beak to inspect stuff. It's not necessarily aggression.

 

[catcat]

Teenagers, what're ya gonna do, eh?

Treats are the way, as said above. And good advice on how to give them as well.

When they start to squat you'll be able to pick them up easily. If you do it often they can become quite docile.

Also, they use their beak to inspect stuff. It's not necessarily aggression.

What do you mean by "squat"?

 

[hokankai]

Squat is the "I'm ready to mate" position. You'll know it when you see it. LOL

 

[Nsampsel]

Mine used to run when I came to the gate too, and all but a couple were raised in my brooder from a few days or a week or so old. Here's how I solved the "chicken" chicken issue...

When I go out to feed I give myself extra time whenever possible as long as it's not pouring down rain. I sit on the ground in the run (put something under you if you don't want covered in poop) and scatter some food over my lap & legs. The chickens come over to eat off of me. It takes patience & no sudden moves, but eventually they will begin to walk all over you, let you pet them & some even let you pick them up & hold them for a while. The treats also work well. I do the same with those. Now I have about 6-10 chickens trying to meet me at the gate everytime they see me coming (not all will) and they start pecking at my legs & feet (not hard, just impatiently) until I sit down & spend some time with them. Just give it time, your chickens will come around

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Thanks for your ideas.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

This will help, ALOT. My chickens aren't as tame as i would like them to be. my fault.