How do I make my chickens tamer?

[SirBrookalasBrook]

I've got 3 White Leghorn/Light Sussex, 5 weeks old, unfortunately they run away as soon as I get to close to them and when I pick them up them up they squawk and struggle a lot, They take food from my hand but will run away as soon as I touch them. Just wondering what to do and what not to do? I think I've got 2 pullets and 1 Rooster. Just don't want the Rooster to grow up mean, they have never pecked at me and i'm hoping they never will.

 

[HappyClucker7]

For the moment, don't try picking them up. Just try sitting with them and talking to them. Show them you're not a threat. Once they will come near you without any hesitation, you can gently put out your hand and try to stroke them. I have noticed that chickens tend to get more scared of you if you pet them from above, so come at them from the side and they will be less afraid.

 

[SirBrookalasBrook]

Thanks for answering so quickly.
Okay, should I hold out food or treats?

 

[Folly's place]

Try sitting there, talking softly if at all, except to call them for treats. I call "chickchickchick" and toss scratch, or whatever, on the ground nearby, and they come running!
Just be there, not threatening, and let time pass.
Some birds don't mind being held and others never like it. As a prey species, 'capture' and 'death' are hardwired, and can't always be overcome.
Don't expect instant results!
Mary

 

[SirBrookalasBrook]

Thanks, I'll do that
I'm struggling to find treats for them, and I don't know where to get scratch from.

 

[Folly's place]

Scratch' is a mixed grain product that's meant to be a yummy distraction, heavy on cracked corn, which is a chicken favorite. Some people use meal worms, or bits of bread or fruits, all in small quantities. Candy for the birds!
Mary

 

[SirBrookalasBrook]

Ok I might get some of the scratch.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My chicks enjoy mealworms, pretty much the only treat they want at the moment.

I find it easiest to befriend chicks by giving them some way of getting up higher, so they see more than just a giant pair of boots and a hand reaching down towards them.


This would be an ideal time for me to handle them. They're relaxed, can see me easily, and it's also easier for me to touch them from the side or underneath, instead of from above, which triggers their prey instincts.

 

[Coops Dad]

I have a silver laced Wyandotte that keyed in me from day one and begs to be picked up. She'll meet me at the door and look up expectantly. I also have a copper Maran that likes to be scratched under the wings and will sometimes allow herself to be picked up. Some breeds seem to take to it more and familiarity from their fuzz days appears to increase your odds of having a buddy.

 

[centrarchid]

Here is my young son displaying his chicken taming and grabbing prowess. He sat on the ground a lot and moved slowly. Generally speaking he did little to make eye contact. Live mealworms were the enticement.

Imagine yourself like my boy. Try not to tower over them. Be calm. My son as an eight year old is even better as the chickens come over when he plays bulldozer in the dirt pile. The chickens come over and plop down to take a dust bath next to him and his younger sister. Key is to effectively ignore the chickens.