How to make a chicken a good pet from a chick?

[mamaKate]

Quote:

That's great. My book of choice is the Bible. so does that mean I'll get Christian chickens?

 

[chickenpiedpiper]

Scooping from underneath is the best way I have found to continue lifting birds when they get older. (doesnt work real well on the big breeds, but great on banties etc) we have two or three that let us scoop them so others can pet them.

We also kept our brooder in the living room, at eye level with the chairs, so as the birds grew, they would fly over to sit with us at night while we watched tv. those that werent good flyers would make all kinds of noise until we brought them over to us as well. They loved this, and would all nestle around and curl up and go to sleep, some carried this behavior right up until we brought them out to the coop, now, they will fly up to our shoulders, or laps to hunker down for a good visit! This delights our children customers!

A routine is essential, do things in a pattern that they can predict, this will help them to understand what you are doing, and anticipate it even when they have gone out to the coop.

Mostly our birds understand the invitation of a sitting lap, they like to roost on our legs and sometimes arms and shoulders. Great places to give goodies too! Bread is a great treat, and can be gotten cheap at bread outlet type stores.

Good Luck!