How do you raise tame chickens?

[Chickenman623]

I sure wish I'd not sold the 400 gal water tank I raised the last batch in. I could get in that with them and just let them crawl all over me. That was the key to my success last time. This time the best I can do is present the "bare arm of terror" into the box from above...........and coming from above is where most terror attacks come from for chickens. At least I broke a barrier today. I was just super glad the Buffs BOTH came to me. I'm on the home stretch now.

 

[Gramma2008]

Without reading all the previous comments-sorry guys!- I’m gonna share what we just literally have had happen in our home. I bought 14 various chicks from Tractor Supply and a few day later 13 more from Rural King. I put them in plastic totes with lots of pine shavings and heat source ( water & food). These totes sit on the floor of the office. We go in several times a day to clean out water dispensers and check the food. At first cleaned brooders every few days. They are now ready to go into a coop, but it’s still in the final stages of being built, so predator proofing and wiring for a light source (for me NOT the birds) and for warmth in winter. These birds have been shy since day one.
Now, all that being said, we hisar hatched out 15 barnyard specials for my daughter. They are Barred Rock or Australorp rooster crossed with either EE or Olive Egger hens. As they hatched I moved them to incubator/brooder #2 so they could stay warm and less contamination of incubator #1. Also less chance of disturbing the other hatching eggs.
These babies would come right up to my hands and cuddle from day one. They have since been moved to their own tote on a shelf in front of my front window in the sun. There’s no added heat source. They are thriving just fine. The past couple day they’ve gotten just slightly shy due to grandchildren wanting to “hold” the baby birds. It’s now a no-touch policy again as I want to regain their absolute trust. They will hop up and down on my hands and don’t freak out every time we reach in for the water/food dispensers.
I truly think having them up at chest/waist height made a difference. They don’t see us as “swooping” in to swipe them and aren’t afraid. Plus I feel using a clear(ish) tote helped them to see everything going on around them and to feel comfortable with people surrounding them.
Just my silly observations!
Good luck to anyone that tries it out!

 

[Gramma2008]

I sit with mine everyday after cleaning up and a few come sit on my shoulder or in my lap. If I bring their food tray over and tap on it they all come running. Just keep at it spending as much time as you can with them and give a few treats or even use their own food. Good luck!

OMG that frizzle!!!!!

 

[Chickenman623]

Well, they continue to charge and congregate in the center of the floor of the box when I call out "Hey Chickie Girls"...................and attack my small handful of oatmeal flakes like they were candy. So I'm happy. Starting to be able to touch them occasionally without shear panic so eventually they' ll be use to it.