I picked up my babies everyday and held them...

[pattee]

Actually I do mix their feed with water and make kind of a mash and they love it!

 

[normajean]

Quote:
You make an excellent observation elderoo....wise indeed.
Enjoy your chickens for what they are.....CHICKENS!
And also remember that some types of chickens are more docile than others.
Enjoy.

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

What breeds do you have? Some are just more affectionate than others. I've had luck with just going out and sitting low in their coop, stretching my legs out and just waiting until they decide to hop on. I do this twice a day and generally have 5-7 chickens on my lap each time. I never force them or entice them with treats. It's on their terms.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I tried something different...I don't give my chicks treats from my hand...instead I put my hand in very slowly and say here chick chick chick. Then I pick them up...at first it was a bit hectic trying to pick them up as they were a little scared but I picked them up anyhow. Then I took them to a desk where the only way they could jump down was past me. THEN I put a treat in front of them on the desk. Now they are two weeks old and most WANT to jump in my hand because they know they are going to get a treat when I pick them up

Worked like a charm! Every day I pick each one up, bring it to the table and give it its' treat and spend 5 min with each bird just petting it and rubbing it's tummy while it stands on the desk. They all love me now..well all but my salmon faverolle's ! They are ok once I pick them up but OH boy it's hard to catch them. The others just come right to me now.

 

[Suess hens]

My polish is the only one who voluntarily comes to me or sits on my shoulder. If my brahma does it, it is only because he doesn't want to be held! And my silkie...oh no, she wants nothing to do with me...even with treats. "Put it on the ground and I'll get it when you move."
Even my new babies are unsure of me just yet.

 

[pattee]

Mu polish are the most skittish! It's my mille that's the most friendliest

 

[Lobzi]

Quote:
Mine thinks she's a people...