How do you get 14 week old pullets to like you?

[PepsNick]

Thanks everyone! I will try all these strategies. Their favorites are grapes and watermelon.

 

[chickerdoodle]

Oh, yes mine went through a "don't touch me stage!" even though we raised them as chicks.

Up until 6 weeks of age they were practically in my lap. At 8-9 weeks old, my BR Beatrice would jump on my back if I bent down to change their water. Soon after that they'd run to me but didn't want to be touched.

I just continued to give them treats which them came to me for and gently pet them only--on their backs or chests and made no move to pick them up. They made a noise and backed off but I would not pursue. Now that they are almost 14 weeks they don't back off as much and I can pick them up. They make a "hey--I didn't want this to happen" noise but settle quickly and purr and become very gentle and seem to like it. I think as they grow if you stay close to them and don't chase them to pick them up they'll be less likely to run. But then again, I'm no expert.

 

[noodleroo]

I just posted this on another thread; forgive me-I don't mean to spam...

If they are still little, you can go to my page to see what I do. If they are older, treats are the way to go. I used little pieces of bread with our rescued chickens.

Sit on the ground; I use a towel.
Gently toss the treats near you but just out of your reach so the chickens won't be afraid that you are going to grab them. Talk to them quietly while and after you've given the treats.
The next day and a couple of days after, put the treats just within your reach but don't try to touch the chickens.
Then hold the treats in your hands the same distance as where you placed the treats the day before. Several of them will take the treats from your hands, some won't.
Don't put the treats on the ground! Only let them have them from your hands so they know they have to be near you to get a treat, and, not think about it too long or another chicken will get all the treats and they won't get any!
After most or all the chickens will take treats from your hands, offer the treats from your hands with your hands resting on your lap. A chicken or two will get on your lap for the treats. Do this every day without trying to pet or pick up the chickens. Some will linger after treats just because they want to be with you. Those are the ones to work on taming.

When you do try to pet, only do it from the underside of the chickens-not the back (they'll think you're a predator). Always be slow and consistent. They will come around.

 

[PepsNick]

Thanks! Sounds great! Mine aren't chicks or hens... they're going on 14 weeks and I have 5 hens. (going on 8 or 9)
I'll be SURE to do that everyday. but what if after they've gotten used to me they come running and i pick them up and then they realize i dont have any treats? i dont want them to love me JUST for the food...

 

[farmgirls]

Our girls are now 16 1/2 weeks. We raised them from 3 days old. They are great however, now when we go to pet them they peck. Once one started they all started. They see us coming and just think we are food. I always make sure I man handle them at night when they are getting ready to be locked in and up on their roost. They are quieter and let me pet them. What is up with the pecking thing all of a sudden? One in particular has gotten very loud and is talking all the time. Are they getting ready to lay or what? Is this pre-adult behavior? Girls, girls, girls!!!Thanks, Martha

 

[Grand-hen-ma]

I started out with the treat thing too. My girls love rice and grapes. I would give them some rice, placing the dish a few feet in front of me. When they were eating that, I would pinch the grapes in half and offer a bit to any one who would get close enough. Then I would sit with the grapes in my hand and keep my hand close to my stomach. If any one wanted a treat, they would have to jump up onto my lap. All but 2 of my girls will jump up on my lap now. I guess it just takes time. Good Luck!

 

[PepsNick]

Aww! great!

 

[noodleroo]

Quote:
The treats are just a lure to get them close to you so that they can see that nothing bad happens to them when you are near; only good things. Once you have them where you can pet them on their chests and under areas, slowly keep rubbing up to their ears. It feels pretty good to a chicken to have the area behind their ears rubbed (apparently). Once you can do this, they will come to you and be happy to be with you just for love. Don't be disappointed if not all of them tame down, but some will...

 

[PepsNick]

Okay. I have a couple cranks, but I bet most will

 

[chicmom]

I hand raise all my chickens from day-old chicks, and that really helps to make them friendlier, but once they're grown and in the coop outside, they do seem to become more independant.

One idea is, at bedtime, when they go roost, I go into the coop and talk to them softly and pet each one.....this is when it's not really dark yet--dusk I guess, and they're calm and quiet.

I don't pick them up, I just talk to them and pet them a bit.

Out of 19 chickens that I have, there are three that are super friendly, that I can literally pick up anytime. I guess it is kind of normal for your chickens to be shy.

Don't let that bother you.