How do you get your chicks and chickens to like you?

[john_wrightson2003]

I am not at all attached to my birds as I have a good many of them, but I would like to raise my favorites to like me, and I was wondering how to do that.

 

[Mvan42]

Spend time with them but don’t force them. Give them treats. My son sat with his barred rock and rir when they were chick they climb all over him. They still follow us around like dogs. Lol. Some will never be close but others will be your best friend, it depends on their temperament, breed and personality

 

[WallyBirdie]

Treats and regular handling. Once they realize you have what they want, they'll be interested in you.

Handling is important. Talk to them. Be near and be consistent. My juvenile guineas didn't like being handled at first, but I worked with them usually 4 or so times a day (plus feeding) and now, when I go near the pen, most of them run to me.

 

[john_wrightson2003]

Spend time with them but don’t force them. Give them treats. My son sat with his barred rock and rir when they were chick they climb all over him. They still follow us around like dogs. Lol. Some will never be close but others will be your best friend, it depends on their temperament, breed and personality

Treats and regular handling. Once they realize you have what they want, they'll be interested in you.

But handling is important. Be consistent. My juvenile guineas didn't like being handled at first, but I worked with them usually 4 or so times a day (plus feeding) and now, when I go near the pen, most of them run to me.

Thanks for the advice, i have chicks hatching all these next 8 days, so I will see if that works.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Treats and food and more treats. Chickens are food motivated.
My flock are all tame enough to be handled when necessary, and I have a few who want to be in your lap as often as possible. They were tamed by meal worms and melon
Just remember not to let the treats be more than 10% of their diet. (they're a lot like kids, they would rather have candy than broccoli.)

 

[Chickassan]

Schedule the chicken candy too.
They like you much more if they know you're a reliable source of said candy.
I know im a lot more likeable around dinner.

 

[john_wrightson2003]

Treats and food and more treats. Chickens are food motivated.
My flock are all tame enough to be handled when necessary, and I have a few who want to be in your lap as often as possible. They were tamed by meal worms and melon
Just remember not to let the treats be more than 10% of their diet. (they're a lot like kids, they would rather have candy than broccoli.)

Alright, thats the biggest thing that I am getting from this thread is treats, and handling. But what if the chicks are like almost 2 weeks old? Does it still work then too?

Schedule the chicken candy too.
I know im a lot more likeable around dinner.

 

[chrissynemetz]

It will pretty much work any time at any age. As soon as they realize you bring food and yummy things they decide you must be ok

 

[john_wrightson2003]

Ok, thank you

 

[chickenthyme]

I didn't have too close of any ties when I was keeping my granddaughter's chickens for over a year. They were probably close to a year old when I got them but since my daughter has taken them, I bought new chicks this spring. I spent time with them every day while they were in the house (while they were little) and fed them scrambled eggs every evening and I ended up forming a bond with them. Two of the five were really like pets but as time has gone on, another one has gotten a lot friendlier. I fuss over all of them. Have gotten two more girls (not sure of their age but at least a month younger than mine) this summer. They have been very skittish but one has finally come around and the other one still freaks a bit. Seems like if you have a couple that make up with you, it makes up for the ones that don't handle it as well. Good luck with your new batch. I'm sure you'll do well just because you are wanting too!