How do I make them like me?

[Nugget]

I did a search and didn't find anything on this topic

Whenever I reach for a chick they go running away! Then they start with this alarm call and are too eager to be put back in their kiddie pool. How can you make baby chicks like you? They will eat out of my hand but sure don't appreciate being picked up!

 

[lurky]

Just put a chair in the run and sit there without reaching for them. Just hang out with them. they will get used to you and come to check YOU out. Patience.

 

[LynnGrigg]

Yep, mmm hmmm, I sit in the lot too. Mine still don't neccesarily like being picked up but I can pet them and pick them up ... and I'm sure my next door neighbor thinks I'm a crazy old woman. -at least his dad used to raise show black rosecombs and goats ... at least he is used to animals. We've sure had enough at our house. Good luck with the chicks. The only ones that have ever become wonderfully close to me have ended up being taken by dogs because they became too darned trusting and jumped the coop fence(which is eight feet high). I'd still love nothing better than to have a big fat lap chicken.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I have five Buff Orps about 4 months old who have always hated being picked up. When I sit quietly with them, they come check me out, but the second I reach my hand toward them, they scatter. I chose the breed because they're supposed to be so friendly and docile. Go figure.

 

[lurky]

My 2 BO's just want to roost on me. If i am in clean clothes i cannot go in the run or i will have to go change before i got to work. Sometimes i wish they were not so friendly........So go figure again

 

[SarahF]

My BRs never liked me from the get go...and I'd sit with them all the time! Now, i'm just the person who gives them treats and takes their eggs! eventually I got over the rejection

good thing I have cats who love me . hahaha
just don't take it personal is my suggestion.

 

[chickbea]

Spend lots of time sitting with them, just as others have said. Have treats in your lap, and they will come to investigate.
Chickens do have distinct personalities; some will get quite friendly and others will remain skittish - concentrate on the ones that seem naturally friendly.
When I wanted to friendly up my rooster, I just held him every day, fed him treats, and didn't put him down until he had been sitting quietly for a bit. Don't let them get down while they are still fussing.

 

[lurky]

Quote:
I think thats true......dont take it personal. I have some i know i will probably never touch. Some that love me totally. I think some get friendlier as they mature. I also think there is ALOT to be said about a bag of scratch!!!! You wanna make friends.....on days that are NOT HOT.......share a little scratch......changed alot of things here

 

[KrisRose]

Food was always the big ice breaker. When my peeps were about 1 to 2 weeks old I provided them with grit and start to offer them soft bread. It got so that when people entered the room they would be right up front begging for goodies. They never really like being picked up except for a certain few. Some of the most skittish ones are now the ones that stand on my feet (and beg for goodies).
My BR's are not that friendly either and are very bossy to the other chickens. The BO's are docile and would be very sweet if I had more time to spend with them.

 

[karmical]

I think it's hard not to take it personally!!! LOL. I got my chickies with the intention of raising 7 pets that will also lay eggs. Turned out 5 of them are willing to be pets...one is on the fence...and one just won't have me (those are my 2 SFs). Can't get a hand on her without chasing her down, and then there's a whole lotta squawking.

In general, mine seem to be becoming less interested in spending time in my lap as they get older (11 weeks now). Best time to catch them in the mood for a cuddle seems to be just before roosting. Last night I had the 5 jumping into my lap and cozying in. My one BO is usually the last to jump down and she does this thing where she tries to work her way under my "wing" and buries her little head. SO sweet.

I spend lots of time just sitting with them though, and I think that helps. Usually an hour before work and then an hour or so at night with treats. I suspect it's probably mostly about the treats for them!

PS - I should add that NONE of my like being PICKED up...and they haven't since they were chicks. Once they got to be a few weeks old though, they started flying out of the brooder onto my lap. Seems they prefer to make the decision themselves. Still working on the whole "picking up" routine. I'm totally akward with it myself, so that doesn't help matters!!