My 2 SLW

[WindingRoad]

are getting used to me finally. I had them about 7-8 weeks. They are laying I got them at 16 weeks. Very skittish I think the lady who had them didn't baby them much. She was just in it for profit. Oh they are lively, and healthy with hard shells etc. So tonight I went out to put them to bed. My BO and my ISAB were up in the coop ready for bed, but my 2 SLW were not. I called to them and I make a tuk tuk noise on the back of my top teeth. And they came right up into the coop. Funny birds They actually came right up to the drop down door and let me pet them and looked me right in the eye. Usually they squat in a submissive way to get petted. So they are coming around nicely. And they respond to "come girls" better than any dog. No insult intended to most dogs.

 

[azygous]

It's certain you're doing something right! Bravo! Hope they continue to become affectionate pets.

 

[WindingRoad]

It's certain you're doing something right! Bravo! Hope they continue to become affectionate pets.

When I went to pick them up the lady had them in a big shed. She must have had about 20-30 hens and a couple of roosters. But they were lively, healthy looking. Running around squawking. Seems happy. I had a big box, I put some packing paper in the bottom and some terry cloth material I had. I taped the box shut not to tight so they could breathe. Several feeders and several waterers around. DLM and the shed was fairly warm With open vents at the roof peaks. We already had snow on the ground at that time. Sat before t-day.

 

[azygous]

Sounds like you made a very good selection. Chicken temperaments can differ and not all take to being the friendly pets you want. I'm sure these two will continue to be friendly.

If you really want to get off on the right foot, make time to sit with them on their level, let them get used to you without your making demands that they be handled. (This especially works well with baby chicks.) I take meal worms, hide one in each hand, then show my closed hands to the chickens. Then I slowly open a hand to expose the worm. Big surprise - magic and friendly hands!

This exercise gets the chickens to associate your hands with something they really like, and they will be less likely to be suspicious of your reaching for them to handle them.