How do you get a chicken to like you?

[Lady Nilstria]

Greetings!

I have several older chickens and just bought some new chicks, and with these new chicks, I'd actually like to be able to be with them without them running away. With the livestock, I have no problem earning their affection, but I apparently just don't have a chicken mind. Chicks are so cute and fuzzy but whenever I go towards them they think I'm going to kill them.

How do you pet or rub a chicken? I know that there are special spots with goats and horses. Are there such spots on a chicken, and if so, how do you touch them?

I'm just not one with an inate poultry sense.

 

[wendid1]

They really like for you to pet their crop area and the top of their heads. It will take them a few weeks to get used to you. I always start by bringing them "treats" every time I come into the coop. Most of the time it's just a few handfuls of grass that I grab on my way in. I hold it in my hand so that they have to pick it out of it. After a few days of this I try to pet them while they are eating the grass and so on. It took a while but most of mine are super sweet and run to me when they see me coming, instead of away. Good luck
Wendi

 

[d_cat88]

Most birds really enjoy it if you gently scratch the back of their heads. Some chickens are just friendlier than others, but I've noticed that it always helps to bring treats with you whenever you approach them then hold the treat until they come and eat it from your hand. I have one hen that thinks she is a lap chicken and will follow me until I pick her up and pet her.

 

[Mahonri]

The way to a chicken's heart at the beginning is their crop!

Get them treats, find out what they like and then repeat.

I have a Wheaten Ameraucana that just loves to have her tufts and neck tickled... she'll close her eyes and just enjoy it and now without treats, seeks me out to be loved.

Here she is..

 

[france]

IME it depends on each individual chicken. I have handled and pet them all since the day they arrived as chicks. I made an effort to hold them all equally. Now at 9 weeks some freak if they see me coming, some could care less, some will come running to me and one will try and jump into my arms every chance she gets. I did notice after the amazing worm extravaganza the group to come running has increased. We had a rainy wet day and I was just turning up mud with my heel in the run and we found tons of worms.

We have one silky that has decided my 7 yr old son is her friend. He is the only person who can easily pick her up. She will sit in his hand, legs sticking out sideways, and let him pet her for a half an hour or more. Usually he puts her down before she wants to get down. Now when I get ahold of her she yells and I have to force her to stay.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I agree that it depends on the chicken, as well as it's age. But generally, the way to a chicken's heart is through their stomach.

Edited to add: There are a few 'special spots' on a chicken, but it differs for each. I've heard that chickens like getting their wattles rubbed but my birds hate it. I notice that alot of mine like tummy rubs and when I scratch behind their necks. If you're REALLY good, sometimes while you groom them they will begin to preen with you.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Treats help. Also, try feeding them from your hand. Offer it as the only food you have. They will eventually come up and eat.

 

[KaraNChun]

Treats, Treats, Treats! Mine come a running whenever they see me looking for treats. I have had them since they were 3 wks old and whenever I fed them treats I said chick, chick, chick (my friend who gave them to me taught me that) now at 20 wks they come whenever I say chick, chick, chick. I always spoil them. When I do hold them they seem to like their crop rubbed. I do have a couple that are not fond of being held but, will always be social for a treat!

 

[Lady Nilstria]

I guess all animals are the same. Food food food!

Thanks much. ^_^

I guess I'll go searching for grubs. My chickens LOVE grubs, and they're in greater supply then worms.

 

[tasymo]

Try offering them string cheese! My Girls went absolutely nuts when I held out a stick to them. Just hang on to it tight and they'll tear bites off, but watch your fingers once it gets short!! Absolutely, the way too their hearts is through their stomachs!!!