How Often Do You Handle

[NCBonnie]

So, I’ve read that to have friendly (possibly cuddly) chickens, it’s important to handle them often. I can attest that they are TOUGH to handle at just over 3 weeks old and protest (ie, SCREAM) when you pick them up. Not to mention that you literally have to “hand chase” a few of them to even capture to pick up. I tend to collect a chick, place it on the bed in the room with the brooder (bed sufficiently covered with old towels and such), and pet them/talk to them for brief periods. The one we suspect *MAY* be a White Leghorn Roo LOVES to climb up my arm and hang on my shoulder. The others aren’t NEARLY as friendly or brave. Also notice a total difference between breeds and tolerance of handling already.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What are the breeds besides the Leghorn. It is breed specific but also individual personality.
Like men, the way to the heart is through their stomach. Some people tame them with mealworms.
I don't bother, they are livestock and I let them be chickens rather than lap pets.

 

[NCBonnie]

What are the breeds besides the Leghorn. It is breed specific but also individual personality.
Like men, the way to the heart is through their stomach. Some people tame them with mealworms.
I don't bother, they are livestock and I let them be chickens rather than lap pets.

If we were raising them as straight “livestock” I wouldn’t have bothered with the question. But, yes, they are straight up treat fiends at this point, too.

 

[Aapomp831]

When you approach the brooder, do it in a calm manner and don’t make sudden, loud noises. Chickens are one of the most predated species on the planet and have millions of years of instinct - sudden, loud noises and anything coming in from above is something to be terrified of. I always try and slide my hand down the side of the brooder instead of surprising them from above. I speak in a low, soothing voice and when I pick them up, I try and just stroke their chests. Chickens are naturally very sensitive about being grabbed from their backs -‘it’s the most common way they get snatched and eaten. Also, chickens aren’t very keen on being held in the first place, as that also mimics being taken off by a predator. I cuddle mine loosely, let them decide and if they really protest I let them go. As my chicks get older, more than half of them go through a period where they become more independent and less interested in cuddles. Don’t be offended - this is natural. I never force chickens to love me. But then again, there is always one or two that LOVE to be held and will be little lap chickens. I have a leghorn that is 21 weeks and so far, still loves to be picked up and cuddles. But I won’t get my heart broken if she decides one day she’s no longer into it. Every chicken is different; I just go by then and repeat each ones temperaments. If you ever need to get to a sick chicken for examination, you can always get them off the roost at night if need be, when they are docile.

 

[NCBonnie]

When you approach the brooder, do it in a calm manner and don’t make sudden, loud noises. Chickens are one of the most predated species on the planet and have millions of years of instinct - sudden, loud noises and anything coming in from above is something to be terrified of. I always try and slide my hand down the side of the brooder instead of surprising them from above. I speak in a low, soothing voice and when I pick them up, I try and just stroke their chests. Chickens are naturally very sensitive about being grabbed from their backs -‘it’s the most common way they get snatched and eaten. Also, chickens aren’t very keen on being held in the first place, as that also mimics being taken off by a predator. I cuddle mine loosely, let them decide and if they really protest I let them go. As my chicks get older, more than half of them go through a period where they become more independent and less interested in cuddles. Don’t be offended - this is natural. I never force chickens to love me. But then again, there is always one or two that LOVE to be held and will be little lap chickens. I have a leghorn that is 21 weeks and so far, still loves to be picked up and cuddles. But I won’t get my heart broken if she decides one day she’s no longer into it. Every chicken is different; I just go by then and repeat each ones temperaments. If you ever need to get to a sick chicken for examination, you can always get them off the roost at night if need be, when they are docile.

All makes complete sense, particularly the “hand from above” stuff. I have read, too, that they’ll eventually realize that you’re not there to predate on ‘em. Sorry, the “I never force chickens to love me” made me laugh. Yeah, that doesn’t seem to feasible. LOL!

I also do quite a bit of hand treating and they’re like a feeding frenzy of sharks.

 

[Nigel27]

Tamed cockerels can become really aggressive towards humans I’ve noticed. Like they’re braver more comfortable around them, so more likely to attack. It’s definitely an individual chicken thing. My tamest two chicks ended up being a pullet and a cockerel and as soon as the cockerels hit puberty they didn’t like humans to touch them anymore but their sisters are still very tame, even jumping on our shoulder while tying a shoe lol. I’ve found the earlier you start taming the better and if you have a clear area on the side/front of the brooder that can help, they see more human movement and not just a hand pop down from the sky.

 

[NCBonnie]

Tamed cockerels can become really aggressive towards humans I’ve noticed. Like they’re braver more comfortable around them, so more likely to attack. It’s definitely an individual chicken thing. My tamest two chicks ended up being a pullet and a cockerel and as soon as the cockerels hit puberty they didn’t like humans to touch them anymore but their sisters are still very tame, even jumping on our shoulder while tying a shoe lol. I’ve found the earlier you start taming the better and if you have a clear area on the side/front of the brooder that can help, they see more human movement and not just a hand pop down from the sky.

We’re not planning on having any roosters but we have a suspect right now. What we decide regarding his/(their) fate remains to be seen at this point. Just not sure how tolerant the neighbors will be with a noisy rooster in the flock.

 

[Aapomp831]

All makes complete sense, particularly the “hand from above” stuff. I have read, too, that they’ll eventually realize that you’re not there to predate on ‘em. Sorry, the “I never force chickens to love me” made me laugh. Yeah, that doesn’t seem to feasible. LOL!

I also do quite a bit of hand treating and they’re like a feeding frenzy of sharks.

Having them associate you with food is way better than associating you with something to be scared of. Just beware - they’re so darn cute you’re going to want to treat them all the time. Watch excessive treats - you want them eating their vitamin and mineral fortified food so they stay healthy and produce beautiful eggs. Egg laying takes a lot out of them, so a proper diet is essential.

 

[BrickCoop15]

The best way too make them friendly and comfortable with you is to spend time with them. I start handling each chick for a few minutes each day from the moment I bring them home. I will also lay may hand flat down on the brooder floor and let them walk on my hand or eat their crumble from my hand. This will help them grow more comfortable with you and not freak out when you stick your hand in their brooder.

When they are old enough and its warm enough to take outside for short outings, I will sit on the ground with them as they explore the outside world. They usually hop on my lap for brief visits or pile up in my lap when they get tired.

I make sure to spend at least a few minutes sitting with them each day until they reach point of lay. Once they reach point of lay, all of the time spent with them will pay off.

I have a flock with many extremely friendly chickens that love to snuggle up in my lap. They will literally pile up in my lap to be petted. However, not every chicken will turn out a snuggly, lap chicken regardless of the time spent with them. Some just do not like being handled. They all have individual personalities. However, if you work with them daily you should end up with several affectionate hens.

 

[Yvette In California]

This is so helpful to read, thank you for posting about this, and thank you to the commenters. We just brought home our first group of chicks - 11 week old silkies (2) and 7 week old black astralorps (2). While they seem to be doing well, though they are definitely not sure about us.