I'm kinda scared of my chickens!

[Metanoia]

I started by keeping them in their pen for about a month. I would spend time with them every day (from 10 mins to an hour or more) and in that time I would hand feed them, stand there, watch them, just so they got used to me. In that time I was able to tame a couple of them to like pats.

Next I let them out late one afternoon when they'd had no food from me in the morning. They free ranged for about 40 minutes, then I got some food, and called them and all but one went back into the pen with me - and that one was a tame one that I could pick up.

The next day, I didn't feed them and let them out to free range. About 4 hours later, I got some food, and called them back into their pen. They all came.

They should respond well to food if they're hungry for it.

And if you are a bit afraid of them I suggest spending some time in their pen first getting to know them. Start by hand feeding, they peck a little, but it doesn't hurt, and work up to touching and holding them.

Thumbs up to the folding chair by the door so you can take it in and have a sit with them.

 

[packmomma]

I am in agreement about the dog. Mine dog would love to get in their run..not to eat..but to chase. If you are concerned that the run is too small I would get sturdy fence and make it a little bigger. I opted for this one plan that I saw somewhere. It basically is two huge runs..one half is garden for the year and the chickens get the other side..and then the following year you switch them. So I thought that will give them a big area to roam in since they cant free range. I basically built the two garden area on the side of the coop and put in two doors..then off the back put a little yard incase we need to plant both sides. I'll try to find a pic or take one of my set up. I can easily go in with my chickens and do.. I'm scared still too. I just wear tennis shoes cause they love my toes. Oh yeah..take off wedding rings too ifyou want to pet and hold them. My chickens like diamonds..lol they have good taste.

Hey I found the picture..this is sort of what I did.

 

[shutt1234]

Thank you for the advice everyone! My chicken coop is in a part of my yard that is actually fenced in away from my dog so I don't think anything will happen, I just get nervous. When they were a lot smaller, they got through the fence somehow and my dog did get a hold of a couple, luckily I was there and got them before any real damage was done. I found that they love red grapes, so that will be my bribery into getting them to like me! LOL

 

[journey11]

Sometimes I get a random peck at my toe, especially if wearing nail polish. But they are just curious. It doesn't hurt.

 

[chickenlady81]

Mine have pecked at my toe before too.. and if they see me holding something in my hand they might peck at that too thinking its a treat. Favorite treat for them is prob cooked rice..they go nuts for it.

 

[BCMominMD]

I found that red grapes are the perfect hand fed treat as well. Once you get them used to that you can graduate to cherry tomatoes - not quite as popular but we currently have them in abundance! Once they sink their beak into a soft one and get the seeds then they are pretty enthusiastic.
Have fun!