how to make a chicken tame

[chick_magnet]

I have 6 weeks old chicks and they keep running away from me. How do i keep them from doing that. Last year my flock never did got tame. when they see me they'll run to be but they won't let me pick them up.

 

[hallerlake]

How old are your chicks and what breed? Some breeds are friendlier than others. I've trained my pullets to come to me when I call using cracked corn as a reward. Basically, every time I gave it to them, I said, "Chick, chick, chick." Now, any time I say that, they come running. I'm working on the next step. I'm going to hold the bright green can I use for cracked corn in my lap. Hopefully, they'll come onto my lap for it. I've been grabbing a couple of the friendlier ones on a regular basis. They protest when I do, but they settle right down. They're getting easier and easier to catch, too. they'll come close and turn their back on me, so I know they're not really afraid of me picking them up.

 

[chick_magnet]

the person i bought it from said they were RIR,black sexlink, and white leg horn. I think the guy lied to me though. A lot of my chicks look different. i have two leg horn and both look different: one has dark marking around the neck and wings and the other one is all white. my black sex link have different feet coloring. RIR are pretty much alike except for a few that are lighter in color
any advises from you would help
Thanks

 

[fratermus]

According to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

"What must I do, to tame you? asked the little prince.

"You must be very patient," replied the fox. First you will sit down at a little distance from me -like that- in the grass. I shall look at you out of the corner of my eye, and you will say nothing. Words are the source of misunderstandings. But you will sit a little closer to me, every day..."​

 

[Mahonri]

Some are naturally friendly... I have a number of lap chickens that way.

Others friendly up only through treats and frequent proximity.

 

[PiedmontJTD]

You can take my two chickens if you want friendly.

If I go outside and shout "CLUCKNOIDS!" they come running...because that's what I do with their feed.

If I cut the grass, they follow me -- every stripe, every turn...because the lawn mower brings up yummy bugs for them to eat!

When I was under the house working on some plumbing, they were their with me, to cluck their advice...and the rooster to crow a foot from my ear. (Man, does he have a set of lungs!)

I'm out in the sticks...one of those areas where everyone waves as they go by. The neighbors had a hilarious laugh one day...I waved...and my roo, behind me, shook out one wing at the same time!

Chickens...yah gotta luv 'em!

John

 

[DDRanch]

Patience is the key I have found. Where ever you have them housed, visit frequently during the day, talk to them quietly, and offer treats. Call to them every single time you see them, offer a treat and pretty soon they will come around just to see what you have brought them. When my girls were tiny and under a heat lamp, I used to just sit near their nursery and talk to them, pick them up slowly and hold them for a bit. Several times a day. Then when they got older and could move outside, I put a chair in their pen and just sat with them offering treats and talking to them. Chicks are curious, some breeds more than others, so let them come to you and get to know you. Be patient, be gentle when you pick them up and hold them and NEVER, NEVER chase them OR let anyone else chase them EVER.

 

[amsunshine]

John, I love your response. I'd love to have chickens following me when I cut the grass!

DDRanch, I've done some of the same things with my chickens. Talking quietly and consistently really works for me too. I have one chicken who freaks out easily, but that has been tempered by gently going after her, lifting her onto my lap, and gently playing with her feathers, petting her under the chin, looking her in the eye, and talking to her all the while. I've even caught her wanting to doze off eventually, but then some little noise will wake her up.

My BO is the sweetest, and we have little conversations all the time. I will tell her a special goodnight, and she wishes me the same!

 

[noodleroo]

I love the responses in this thread! You can go to my BYC page to see how I tame chicks. Its easy and works!

 

[elmo]

Patience, yes, and routine. We pick up each of our chicks gently for a few moments every day, and although some of them will still run away once they're picked up they accept being held calmly.

They're used to their morning snack of hardboiled eggs, too, and will come running when they see me coming around the corner with the familiar dishes.