How to get adult chickens to love you????

[Teila]

I just looked at them and thinking of trying them out. I just get mine from the pet shop and usually are all half dead by then. Or I have dried ones.

Cool cheep82

As I mentioned, I have no connections to or financial interest in Martyn's but to date they have been awesome and definitely cheaper than others. Also, the meal worms are much larger than I can get here on the Northside of Brissy.

 

[PDS3]

My chickens adore group hugs. All I need to do is get down on my knees and they come right to me to get snuggled. How did I get my chickens to do this?

For some reason, chickens like closeness, but they want it to be their idea. To begin the process, do as Mrs K suggests. Just sit calmly and quietly in the run so your chickens can get to know you and be comfortable around you. Do it for a week.

Next toss out some treats sparingly, grain, meal worms, dry cat food. Do it for a week.

Next week, don't toss the treats, but hold them in your hand with arm outstretched. Little by little they'll eat from your hand. Do it for a week.

Next, hold the treats close in toward your body so they need to come close to get them. Do it for a week.

Now, as they take the treats, touch them lightly on the breast or side of the neck, not the back. The back area of a chicken is the place where aggression take place, such as mating and conflict between rivals and punishment by ranking flock members. It's not a place where chickens will welcome an affectionate touch so stay away from the back.

After your chickens are comfortable coming in close to get treats and being stroked, then you should be able to bring them in close for snuggles. Soon they will come right to you when they see you kneel down. Don't be disappointed if all of them don't warm up to you at the same time. Once one does, the others see it and they will also want to be included. Yes, chickens get jealous. It's so charming!

Thanks sooo much! I have been quietly sitting in their coop for a few days so I will continue on with your steps to help me bond with my chickens, thanks again!