How do I make my chickens less flighty/more cuddly?

[Farmer to be]

Hi!
I have a couple of columbian rocks, all about 10 months old, and one is kinda sweet, but most just run away from me when I try to pick them up/go near them. I was wondering if anyone had any methods for making them not run away from me.

 

[Lauren Kim]

Lure them with food... In chicken world, Food = Love.

 

[sylviethecochin]

The way to a chickens heart is through her stomach (metaphorically.) I like making my pullets jump for scratch. Others claim to have great success with mealworms.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

Even if you lure them close with food they are not likely to want to be picked up.
They are prey animals and the 'flight'...of 'fight or flight'...is there normal behavior.
You can 'train' them by handling frequently from hatch, but that is no guarantee either.

Plus, you know, 'farmers' don't 'cuddle' their livestock

 

[TattooedChicks]

I spend a lot of time with my birds from day one, and I make an effort to pick more friendly reputed breeds. Chicks get gently and frequently handled and I often spend time in their space simply observing and letting them get used to my presence. As they get older I start introducing treats in or around my hands, like scrambled eggs or fruit. Once they are old enough to roam out in the run, the handling continues but I usually just sit down on the ground with them and allow them to find their way onto my feet, legs or lap.

Cuddles get built over time, and it takes a lot of trust. And food. So much food.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Definitely food!

Also since you didn't mention it, if you bought them when they were a little older or just didn't handle them much as chicks, it'll take them a while to warm up to you. If you spend time with them just sitting down, talking quietly, they'll eventually get used to your presence and be less inclined to run away. Chasing after them has the opposite effect, their instinct is to run from something trying to grab them.

 

[chicken4prez]

Food and lots of snuggles.