How to tame a one year old chicken?

[Chicken lover 123]

I just got 6 one or two year old hens and I don't think they were socialized much in there old home so at the moment the only time they will let me touch them is if they are on their roosts. Is there any way to get them to be a little tamer.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

One word. Treats. Actually two words. Treats and Patience.

The way to a chicken's heart is through its stomach. The way to build trust is to be patient and gentle around them.

Start by being trustworthy in your movements around them. Do nothing to force or startle them. Always bring a yummy treat bucket with you.

Begin by simply tossing (gently) the treats onto the ground and letting them get them. Eventually somebody will be bold enough to attempt to get the treat directly from you. Let them bucket or hand feed. Over time, others will want to come to you to get a treat directly too.

Sit down in their presence, either on the ground or on a chair, and let them see you as non-threatening. Continue to feed yummy treats.

In time they will come running whenever they see you. As they become comfortable in your presence you can begin to reach out and touch some of the bolder ones. If anyone is unhappy with that, back off.

Not all chickens like to be cuddled, but some are quite personable.

Do be careful to not let them become demanding of you or rude. Don't let them peck at you or harass you for their treats. You still must be flock leader...just a gentle leader.

In time, one or two, or most, depending upon breed and bird, will enjoy your company and several may become rather affectionate.

My suggestions.
LofMc

 

[Farmgirl47]

Good advice. ^

 

[MalMom]

Soooo trying to catch them with a fishing net when it's time to go back up is a bad idea?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Soooo trying to catch them with a fishing net when it's time to go back up is a bad idea?

Well, it depends upon your goals and whose "comfort" you are seeking....yours or the birds.

Using a large fish net is actually much less traumatic to bird (and owner's back) than other means.

However, a good treat bucket rattled at the right time will produce a Pied Piper moment and results in more harmonious feelings all around...my experience.

LofMc

 

[MalMom]

I had always hand raised my chicks in the past. Man, did I have some sweet chickens. But I got these guys at a bad time, though I didn't know that when I got them. I haven't been able to spend the time with them that I would have liked. They are still a bit young to be with the big birds, so they are in cages. I let them out as much as possible but man, trying to catch them to put them up is a mess. I plan on working with them, it's just finding the time.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I had always hand raised my chicks in the past. Man, did I have some sweet chickens. But I got these guys at a bad time, though I didn't know that when I got them. I haven't been able to spend the time with them that I would have liked. They are still a bit young to be with the big birds, so they are in cages. I let them out as much as possible but man, trying to catch them to put them up is a mess. I plan on working with them, it's just finding the time.

You do what you need to do.

It takes time to settle unfamiliar birds, and safety is the first concern.

A good fish net makes an excellent tool for rounding up wayward birds.

But obviously, its less work if they come on their own two feet. Try keeping a treat bucket handy and feeding them in the run just before roost time. Usually they get the idea pretty quick to come to the run and then the idea of the roost sets in better.

LofMc

 

[MalMom]

Yeah, I was going to do that as soon as they are able to be in the run with the big girls. They are all okay out in the yard together, mostly because there is lots of room for them to run from the more dominate hens. It's actually my goose that is the biggest issue right now. We thought we got a girls but we ended up with a boy. He's being a jerk right now. I love him, but if he doesn't check his attitude he won't be staying. But as soon as they can all be in the run together I'm going to work on great training all of them.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Each chicken has their own personality. My five 15 month old Golden Comets are all friendly. Three come up to me and want to be petted, two of them want to be held. The other two will hang around my feet when I'm sitting, but don't like to be touched. I raised them from 2 days old. So some chickens just don't get too friendly, even the same type/breed.
I spend a half hour sitting with my girls a couple of times a week.
Patience, and spend some time with them daily, pull up a chair. GC

 

[Chicken lover 123]

Thanks for all these great answers. I've been sitting out with them for about an hour twice a week feeding them weeds from the yard because they have eaten all the weeds in their coop. Anyways princess my one Easter egger has started letting me stroke her when she's eating and dust bathing which is great news One of my black copper marans is starting to get a bit bossy but I'm putting a stop to that.