How do I make my chicken like me?

[WindingRoad]

They are 7 weeks old and ALWAYS run away from me, I tried moving slowly with not as strong movements but it didn't work, I have tried everything but they just dont like me, they are even scard when we walk into the room where they are to hold them, I hold them every single day for 1 hour. They are so scard, what should I do, how do I make them like me and follow me around, I was reading a thread were a chicken followed the owner around, how do I get that kind of trust, they are in a dog pen right now and there are 4 of them.

Chickens have poor night vision. So after I close the coop door at night I sing my birds a lullaby. I use a flashlight pointed to the floor so I can see my way around the coop. I sing and pat them at the same time. They don't like being off the roosts because they can't find their way back. I love to cuddle each other especially in the cold winter months. So they stay on the roosts and I go around and pat each one even if they don't like it. I've had them since Sept and I can pat them now in the day time without them running away. But it takes time and a routine that is the very same every day.

 

[Nef003]

Starve them a bit and come to feed them twice a day. In the morning and at night. Squad down with them as they are eating you start by just watching; then touching them as the days go by. Works 100%

 

[Beezchickens]

Treats, treats and treats! I raised a silver laced wyndotte who is ridiculously friendly. I would bring her in the house in a wrapped towel and watch Tv and just handle a lot! She used to have a bum foot so I ended up giving her warm epsom salt soaks in my kitchen sink. Now she is so friendly! It took a while.some breeds are friendlier than others. Also chickens really do have individual personalities. Good luck on your chicken taming adventure!

 

[Jessie_james]

The had the same issue with my batch of barred rocks but not with my orpingtons. Eventually I fed them treats every time I visited them. I liked to feed them cooked asparagus or broccoli cut up into bits. I would always make more at dinner time than we could eat if I kept it plain boiled or steamed. They seemed to love it.

 

[Alyssa-Bee]

MORE TREATS!!!
(Also, slowly adjust them to being touched... then being held)

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

What type of treats should I feed them? I got mealworms, but only 2 of them like the mealworms, sometimes I feed them strawberries and they LOVE them, but what else?

Red grapes. After 2 they will be addicted. Old flock really liked sweet potato peels and gave eggs orange tinted. I had to work with my chickens a lot. Type of chicken makes a difference too. My black australorp are the friendliest birds but my RIR and half of my gold comets are skittish. One scare will send them all off in a panic.
After hand feeding grapes I would work to pick one up and feed it treats while holding it. After a while they would fly to my shoulder.

 

[FML]

I love the ideas...I have 4 RIR that are 4 months old and are spoiled rotten. The shared my shower for a couple of months until it was warm enough to be outside.
I handled them daily and got them addicted to raisins and got them used to eating food out of my hand. Now they follow me around hoping a raisin will magically appear in my hand.
Chicken Little, my biggest girl, will pick on my jeans if I don't pay her enough attention.
Everyone's ideas are great.. treats, treats and more treats everyday will work. Don't give up after a few attempts. Consistency works.
They love kale which I feed them while holding the stem, fresh corn on cob, frozen grapes that are cut in half and bread.
But remember to not over feed them treats. Like any kids, they need to eat what's good for them before getting desserts.
Good luck.

 

[VannahBee]

I handle my birds from day 1 to adulthood for as often as I can.
My training method is:

#1. Handle all chicks equally.

#2. Wear Red.

#3. Give Treats

#4. 1 hour, or so of snuggle time.

#5. Talk to them.

Here's a video sample of a couple chicks who know me by recognizing my face, & voice.

I am one with the chickens.

I love how your chickens love you. I hope mine can love me like that.

 

[Paul Richardson]

They are 7 weeks old and ALWAYS run away from me, I tried moving slowly with not as strong movements but it didn't work, I have tried everything but they just dont like me, they are even scard when we walk into the room where they are to hold them, I hold them every single day for 1 hour. They are so scard, what should I do, how do I make them like me and follow me around, I was reading a thread were a chicken followed the owner around, how do I get that kind of trust, they are in a dog pen right now and there are 4 of them.

Cheese night and morning i use cheap sliced cheese they will love you to bits and crawl over you to get it garanteed i have done this for years and all my hens are quite i have 60 plus birds and roosters once it dawns on them you are a treat machine they will be standing on your toes when you walk in but always remember treats are just that do not over do it so they stop eating there egg laying food good luck.

 

[Wormhunter]

They are 7 weeks old and ALWAYS run away from me, I tried moving slowly with not as strong movements but it didn't work, I have tried everything but they just dont like me, they are even scard when we walk into the room where they are to hold them, I hold them every single day for 1 hour. They are so scard, what should I do, how do I make them like me and follow me around, I was reading a thread were a chicken followed the owner around, how do I get that kind of trust, they are in a dog pen right now and there are 4 of them.

Dig up worms, dangle or throw near them they’ll soon love you!!!