How long until my chickens warm up to me?

[ThinkingChickens]

I have three new girls who are just under two months. They are a Delaware, a Jersey Giant and a Barred Rock. Anyway, I talk to them when I'm outside and feed them from my hand. I do take them out of the coop and pet them. When might they be a little less afraid of me? Or, how long did it take your chickens to warm up to you?

 

[youngbiddy]

If they're eating from your hand and you pick them up and pet them, how much warmer do you want them to be? LOL

 

[dewey]

Over time they'll probably continue warming up to you more and more. Especially if you have treats and spend time sitting with them. My special pets from past flocks learned tricks and would beg be held or carried around...and if they saw me pulling up a chair, they'd swamp me wanting to sit all over me for lovins

, lol. Yours sound pretty sweet and off to a good start right now, being that your so new to them.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

They eat from my hand but they don't "let" me pick them up. I have to grab em quick. Ha ha. When I'm holding them they are calm though. I talk to them quietly, pet them for a minute and then gently put them back. I'm trying hard to bond. The Barred Rock who is the oldest (probably two months or a few days shy) stays the furthest from me and so far has not eaten from my hand. Just trying to be a good chicken mom. Ha ha

 

[BrattishTaz]

It sounds like you are doing everything right.

Just give them more time.

 

[kittycooks]

That is great progress. Keep bringing them treats and whispering sweet nothings. Every flock I've had has some birds that are slow to warm up while others are right there pecking at me until I pick them up. Some birds took 6 months to fully appreciate my company. Pay attention to the pecking order and always pick up the top bird(s) first. Then, look your shy hen in the eye, say her name sweetly and hold your hands out. If she runs away, tell her that's ok. If she squats and holds her wings out, gently pick her up under the belly. Hold her for a minute, pet her and gently put her back down. I think the shy birds learn from watching it's fun to get attention and a cuddle. Don't neglect the shy ones, even if you say their name and greet them everyday they will learn to trust you over time.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

I can't decipher who is the lead so far. Maybe the Delaware. What is funny is the Jersey Giant is the most shy. The Delaware was hand chosen for our family and it's true, she is the most tame. I'm having fun getting to know the three of them and already picking out a larger coop (we have an Eglo) and deciding which chickens to get next spring. Hahah

 

[MrsChickendad]

I've noticed that mine get a lot friendlier as they approach point of lay.

 

[dsqard]

Quote:
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[Autumnchicken]

Once mine turned 6 1/2 months old and had been laying for about a month they love me! They come running when they see anyone. It's the cutest thing. They sit and want attention and scratch a couple times a day. They saw my husband sitting in our 3 season room and they were waiting for treats, like he could throw them through the window.