How do you make your chickens more comfortable with you?

[sdm1908]

Throw them on the ground and talk to the chickens at first. After a few days squat down and talk to them while the food is on the ground. Then hand feed them and talk to them.

They squawk when I do that!!

 

[sdm1908]

Throw them on the ground and talk to the chickens at first. After a few days squat down and talk to them while the food is on the ground. Then hand feed them and talk to them.

Would sesame seeds be good for them?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Would sesame seeds be good for them?

Oh yes! sesame seeds are wonderful for laying hens

 

[sdm1908]

How should I feed them the seeds? Sorry lol I never have done treats before

 

[Mountain Peeps]

How should I feed them the seeds? Sorry lol I never have done treats before

Same way. Just toss them out. Or you can put them is a separate dish.

 

[trudyg]

my dh is the chicken whisperer. He shakes the shrubs so the jap beetles fall off for them, they love him for it!

 

[SixChickFlock]

Hehe... Yard treats are the best! I pick ripe mulberries for them even though there are tons on the ground. And serviceberries!!! They love 'em but the berries never make it to the ground so I hang out with the girls and pick and pick and we take turns eating them. They will jump on command for berries.

 

[SixChickFlock]

SDM... Something else you might try, very slowly. Today Florence came in through the coop front door to find a nest while I was checking the nests for eggs. I kept real still and talked to her softly until she actually came in the nest while I was right there! I left her alone after a bit and went to watch from the front window. She gave up the nest for Nellie (the nervouse one) and went back to lay after Nellie finished. Three of mine let me pet them while sitting in the nests.

 

[ShockValue]

How old are your hens? I found there was a time approx 12-18 weeks where they seemed less tolerant of me. We're at week 20 now, and they're really starting to get friendly. They still don't let me pick them up without a fuss, but as they're eating treats they don't freak out if I touch them.

My main method has been sitting on the ground with them and sprinkling raw uncooked oatmeal near me. After they got into that, I started sprinkling it around and on my lap. Some would hop up on my lap to get it, some wouldn't. Since then I've put a lawn-lounge-chair in the backyard and they all know it's treat time when I go sit there. Some will circle but keep their distance if my hands move too quickly. Others hop right up on my lap and/or perch on the arms to get their treats.

All slow and calm movements.

Just like men.. The way to their hearts is through their stomachs.

 

[sdm1908]

How old are your hens?  I found there was a time approx 12-18 weeks where they seemed less tolerant of me.    We're at week 20 now, and they're really starting to get friendly.  They still don't let me pick them up without a fuss, but as they're eating treats they don't freak out if I touch them.

My main method has been sitting on the ground with them and sprinkling raw uncooked oatmeal near me.   After they got into that, I started sprinkling it around and on my lap.   Some would hop up on my lap to get it, some wouldn't.  Since then I've put a lawn-lounge-chair in the backyard and they all know it's treat time when I go sit there.    Some will circle but keep their distance if my hands move too quickly.  Others hop right up on my lap and/or perch on the arms to get their treats.

All slow and calm movements.  

Just like men.. The way to their hearts is through their stomachs.   

Omg!
My girls just turned 3 months old so that's probably why!!! One of my girls also protects the little chicks really well, so do you think maybe that's why she's bitter? I'm just desperate to get them all friendly with one another, thanks for all your help.