How will I know if my chickens like me?

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Davidson5

Davidson5

In the Brooder
Apr 6, 2015
16
7
22
I was wondering how would or can I tell if my chickens like me and are comfortable? We have had them for about a month give or take. I talk to them everyday clean, water and feed them. So my hands are always around them. The peck at my hands and come over to my hands, but if I move they get scared. So I'm just not sure if I'm doing all this stuff right. Anyone have any suggestions or an answer. Lol. I'm feeling kind of lost with all of this. As I'm sure you can tell I'm new to this :p thanks
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Fastest way to a chicken's heart is usually through its stomach, if they come running to your for treats and follow you around begging, they like you, or at least the treat you are offering :).... Chickens are prey animals so they are usually suspicious of fast movements or things/people looming over them until they are used to you and what you do. Spend as much time as you can with them, just sitting in the coop or near where they are (ie in the yard if they are free ranging) just get them used to your presence. Offer treats to them often /every day, just tossing it on the ground to start with then gradually making them come closer and closer to you when you offer them treats, gradually they will stop running away when you move if they know you have something. Most chickens don't really like to be held or picked up, though some will get used to it and accept it or even like it. If you want to get them used to being held, it is often easier to work on that at night when they are naturally quiet, taking them off the perch. Move slowly around them at first especially and don't try to grab them.
 
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Give them time - they will get comfortable around you and possibly mob you at feeding time.
 
Welcome to BYC!

It takes time for birds to get accustomed to people but as @Kelsie2290 pointed out, using food as a lure will get their attention. Once they associate you with good things to eat, you'll have them following you around like puppies.

This link will take you to a great list of good treats for chickens (and includes the things to avoid). Just don't over-do the treats, that isn't any better for chickens than it is for people.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

Good luck to you!
 
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so glad you have joined us.

You have already been given the best suggestions.

All I can add would be to get down to their level. If you can sit with them, they are more likely to come to you - dried mealie worms go a long way to help the bonding experience. Since they already peck at your hand, hold the treats in your hand, keep it still and let them come to get them. For the shyer chickens, toss some a few feet away and even the nervous ones will learn you are the keeper of all good things.
 
Always try to be with them when you can, they run away thinking you are a "beast" trying to stalk them as their pray. spend time with them so they can know you are not a threat to them, holding them AT LEAST 3 times a week( each one) shows that you won't do no danger to them and shows peace with you and the baby chick, giving them treats will also be nice for thou likes treats :)
 
kiaraloveschickiess said:
Always try to be with them when you can, they run away thinking you are a "beast" trying to stalk them as their pray. spend time with them so they can know you are not a threat to them, holding them AT LEAST 3 times a week( each one) shows that you won't do no danger to them and shows peace with you and the baby chick, giving them treats will also be nice for thou likes treats :)
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The OP hasn't been on this site for over 5 years.
 

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