How to tame and how long?

[whiskey69169]

I recently got 4 baby silkies. I know they are more tame than other chickens but what is the best way to tame chickens and how long with being consistent will it take? Also want to use this with my other chickens and future feathered friends.

 

[Chicken poppy]

I recently got 4 baby silkies. I know they are more tame than other chickens but what is the best way to tame chickens and how long with being consistent will it take? Also want to use this with my other chickens and future feathered friends.

Hi! I have a lot of experience with this.
I’m going to try to simplify this as best as i can.
None of my chickens are scared of me, they love snuggles and will happily jump in my lap. They are never skittish what so ever, no more scared then a domestic dog or cat.

This is what i do:

Bond
First, spend as much time with them as possible, speak to them, talk to them so they know your voice. Hold them while reading a book, sit with them while on your phone, do anything you can to let them get used to you. Be patient, they might be scared at first and thats okay! Just remember if a chicken (really the roosters) starts to bite or nip, tap them back, don’t let them do it, they will turn mean.

Feed
Let them eat out of your hand or show that your giving them food, i don’t really feed mine out of my hand that much, it doesn’t really make a difference for me, but it might help.


Snuggle
Snuggling! I would sit in bed holding a baby chick, stroking them, letting them sit in my hair, holding them, carrying them, anything and everything. This will make them want to snuggle with you always and gives you a better bond with them. Don’t force it, but make sure they know they are safe.

Calm
Really the most important, be gentle. Don’t shout, don’t pet them like a dog with your entire hand. Pet them with one finger, stroke them, talk in a quiet or relaxed voice and don’t scream or make loud noises. Don’t squeeze them or hold them tight, be mellow and they will trust you.

IF they ever get skittish and wish not to be pet, don’t chase them or freak them out. I know this should be basic knowledge but it’s easy to do. Doing this will make them more frightened. Do your best, show them your nice, they will come around.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions. I will be more then happy to answer.

 

[whiskey69169]

IF they ever get skittish and wish not to be pet, don’t chase them or freak them out. I know this should be basic knowledge but it’s easy to do. Doing this will make them more frightened. Do your best, show them your nice, they will come around.

Does this part include them running away from me in the broader? If so what is the best way to get them to come to you at that point? 2 of the 4 silkies will just about stand still in the broader when I reach to pick them up, most of the time. But the other 2 run away as if I'm a ghost. May be exagerating a bit but you get the point lol.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Does this part include them running away from me in the broader? If so what is the best way to get them to come to you at that point? 2 of the 4 silkies will just about stand still in the broader when I reach to pick them up, most of the time. But the other 2 run away as if I'm a ghost. May be exagerating a bit but you get the point lol.

Remember that they all go through a stage of independence. There will be a stage when young where they will be absolutely terrified of you and thats totally normal, it doesn’t last long. No, you still will need to pick them up, just be gentle and they will learn its safe.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

Does this part include them running away from me in the broader? If so what is the best way to get them to come to you at that point? 2 of the 4 silkies will just about stand still in the broader when I reach to pick them up, most of the time. But the other 2 run away as if I'm a ghost. May be exagerating a bit but you get the point lol.

Mine are at this stage too, I just crouch near the entrance and make a sound with my lips I always make with my birds and that seems to help them "realise" it is me. Even then half of them are still hiding in the corner, the proudest ones will come near to me. Treats in the hand work well but I am not sure I'd want to do that every time