How do you tame a chicken?

[Leah and peeps]

Hi Everyone,

I have had this one pullet for asbout 4 months but she will NOT come near me! She is totally scared of all humans and books it when anyone approaches her. I don't even think that i have been able to pet her since i've had her! I still am not sure in her breed. Is there any way that i can get her to be friendly? Even treats don't seem to work.. is she hopeless?
Any advice appriciated!

 

[mgw]

I have 5 BSLs that scatter like mice when I get close. And I have 4 other chickens that come right to me will even eat out of my hand. I never even held them much when they were chicks. Chickens are weird they have their own personalitys.

 

[Pinky]

You could try sitting outside by her or walk around and try to hand her treats. Drop the treat and pick it up in front of her like a rooster would do. You can even call her when you do this if you want to. If you have more chickens, try feeding them close to you when she is around. This should show her that there is nothing to be afraid of when she sees other birds are not scared of you. Just keep trying and she will learn to trust you

 

[noodleroo]

I have some info on how I tame chicks and chickens on my BYC page. Some of that might help you...

 

[NottinghamChicks]

I had one that I got as a chick that once out in the coop never wanted anything to do with me or anyone, until she started to lay. Now she is quite receptive to a scratchh or a pat. I actually like her too now that she's finally earning her keep!

 

[abhaya]

I have a brown leghorn like that.

 

[bakerjw]

I think that some will never truly get tame. But from what I've seen chickens are very jealous, especially when it comes to food. If another is getting something they seem to be driven to get it for themselves. My little Sebright hens were very timid and standoffish. Until they realized that someone else was getting crackers out of my hands. For the most part they're still not hand chickens but once I pick them up they're very tolerant of the petting and sweet talking.

Just takes some time.

 

[fratermus]

There is a section in The Little Prince that addresses this topic.

 

[artsyrobin]

you can easily get ahold of her in the evening when they roost at nite, bring her in, then give her a bubble bath- she will relax, then cuddle her in your lap- it might help- the handling, don't know she'd be a lap chicken, but it helps them lose their fear

 

[karl E lutz]

I tie mine up with rope and choke the liven daylights out of them. And when they get to breath again they try to run so I start the cycle over. I don't know if this will work for you it hasn't worked for me but I'm gonna keep at it! maybe I'm doin somthin wrong