How do you get a chicken to like you?

[worldwidechick]

be close to them stay with them all the time hopeit works well

 

[annek]

Agree with everyone else FOOD! Mine are getting better but still don't like me to pet or pick them up but do come running to me to see what treat I have. They also follow me around when we walk in the grass to find grass hoppers. One is pretty smart, she knows when I say her name and point my finger there is a bug at the end of it. The others have not figured that out so don't get as many tasty treats. I have had mine since 2 days old so it isn't that they don't know who I am.

 

[SheeReno]

We have 2 chicks...just a day or so over 3 weeks old we believe. We've had them for 2 weeks now. One of them is absolutely lovey dovey and is a real treat. The other is sociable, adorable, friendly and whatnot, but hates to be picked up. I've tried holding it for long periods of time, the chick usually calms down after a while but freaks on the "landing." Should I keep at this until the chick calms down all the time or is it detrimental in the long run?

This is all with the help of some mealworms, too.

 

[Andrew C.]

The trick I use with my pullets, is to get them close with some yummy mixed grain, then at the right moment swoop down and pick up the paticular bird you want with a hand over each wing holding them tight to it's body so it can't flap then I kinda hold the bird against against my front with one hand, which give's me a free hand which I then place under it's feet and lift, once it takes it's own weight I stroke the bird with the hand I was holding it with, when your done lower the bird slowly so it can jump/fly off your hand.

(Don't try this if your chickens feet are mucky)

However some chickens just don't like to be handled nomatter what, some it take's a couple of try's, some won't get off and try to be clingy.

P.S. HeeHee I was just thinking maybe I should copy and paste this post to the crazy chicken lady/guy thread, it sure sounds cooky enough.

 

[sred98]

I used bread. It's easy to break into little pieces, and cheap and easy to find! It's a very special treat so it's a big deal. In fact, I made a game out of it that cracks my children up...I go outside with the bread partially hidden in my hands and say, "Who loves me??" And the ones that immediately come running, get the bread. The others miss out. That started even the unfriendliest ones scrambling to be first!

The ones that run up, but don't want to eat out of my hands, I just toss it a little ways away from me. Still within grabbing distance (but I don't grab) and the ones that eat out of my hands, of course get more. Not all of my chickens like to be picked up, but a lot of them do like to be petted.

Sometimes just a stroke down the back, like you would a dog or cat. Other ones, fly up on my lap or shoulder and want their wattles and the skin around their eyes rubbed. Very few of mine want their heads scratched.

Don't be discouraged...out of about 12 chickens I raised from babies, only about 5 will actually climb up and want to be held. None of my guineas will let you really touch them, and won't eat out of our hands, and then the 2 geese, who will let you pet them, but not pick them up.

Obviously the #1 way to get their attention and affection is food. After that, it's just up to the chicken. Oh, and don't forget there is the "teenage" period where even the tamest bird thinks you're going to eat it!

They grow out of that, though!

Good luck!

Shelly

 

[Happy Chooks]

When I got my baby chicks (last week of Feb) I wore a particular fuzzy coat they seemed to really like.

Everyday I'd go out, pick one up, cradle it in my arm. I'd rub the top of their head and they would nestle their head in my coat. Some would even fall asleep. If they struggled, I'd continue holding them until they didn't fight it anymore.

Some never liked it, like my Sicilian Buttercup. Even now she'll come over to me for treats, but I can only pet her when she squats for me. My Light Brahma and my RIR are my most friendly.

Now that they are older, I agree with everyone else...........Food, food, food.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Another vote for treats, and I'm with France as far as the individual personalities of chickens.

Of my four, three are pretty tame, but my Delaware just cannot bear to be picked up. They all come running when they see me coming - they've identified me as the meal worm and wheat grass lady. Very helpful for getting them into the coop at night!

There is nothing funnier than watching a Light Brahma pullet run. I imagine "Chariots of Fire" music in the background as Amelia Feathered Thunder Thighs, as I call her, comes running toward me. She's hilarious.

They ALL squawk a bit when I pick them up but I do it every day just to keep them used to it, except for the Delaware - it just seems too traumatic for her. It seems to help to initially grasp them by holding their wings down so they don't flap - calmer for them and for you. Then I nestle them close to me and support their under body while letting their legs hang free. Seems to keep them calm. They tolerate it, but I sense that they wonder why I don't have something more important to do with my time.

 

[Egg_newton]

I have yet to meet a chicken who did not love mealworms. If they are not used to food other than chicken feed they may be a little weary at first. In this case I will put a few in a little bit of feed and they will try to burrow. I think for some reason this peaks the chickens cuirosity and they can't resist a peck. Once they are hooked try to keep fingers out of the way. I have a few who will climb in my lap to get at them. Nothing is more fun than getting mugged by a hen for mealworms!

 

[Lee Anne]

My chickens LOVE watermelon! They see me coming with the rinds and come running!