How do you get friendly with your hens?

[cyberchick]

Thank you for all your replied. It has given me the confidence to try and handle them but also not rush things. Also chickens are like children and bribes always work

. So glad I signed up. I am sure I will be asking more questions soon. However it is 10pm here and I should be getting off the laptop now. Goodnight all and thank you.

 

[Miss Lydia]

treats, treats, treats! you found mealworms that's the favorite of my chickens of various ages. most will eat out of my hand but some are still timid. Just have patience and yes talk to them, and also sing to them, and do walk slowly around them. also mine love grapes, tomatoes, yogurt and lettuce and bread. They have even eaten cooked natural hot dogs and cooked chicken.

 

[austradork]

Quote:
Yes, keep at it. My little orange hen, Lois, ate out of my hand for the very first time last night. She's such a flighty spaz, but I've been coaxing her for about five months now and she finally did it! It was sooo cute too. She stood a few feet away from me and extended her neck waaaaay far out and slowly shuffled just close enough to snatch the spinach leaf out of my hand.

Have patience with your girls - they'll come around.

 

[noodleroo]

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.

 

[Rennie]

Quote:
I have 2 bantam wyandottes given to me and "had" 2 cockerels too, The girls are fine ..but the Roos are the noisiest birds i have ever heard in my life

I must have just got lucky with mine lol

(Im in uk too )

 

[ThePRfan]

Well,my hens I've raised from lil chickies,but that means I can't share any info.
Your hens are new,letting them adjust first and get use to your guys routine will help.

I know lots about this subject.
My first #1 thing is to hand feed.Normally if the birds don't trust you,you may just have to start by spreading it around you.
#2,once the birds get better at what you do and pass,#1,start gently petting them as they feed from your hands.
#3,grab a chair,and sit down with them,Be sure your talking to them,and every so often giving out treats.
#4,roosting on a branch while hand feeding is good.I started doing this and now,my birds sleep on my lap,or the branch with me.(Not only this,they clean me!)
#5,act like a chicken.Making rooster callings once you find something(for say a worm),call out to them.(osimply start calling them by "Here CHICK CHICk".
#6,allow them to kinda do what they want.Birds are different from furry animals.They do what they what when they wanna.(Of course at my chicken palace the top dog,rules and controls.Me.)

Good luck!
-ThePRfan