My 4 wk old chick bit me on purpose.

[Tetonia chicken]

It takes awhile to get them socialized. Yours are very young still. I picked my little ones up several times a day to check for pasty butt, and to remove them from the brooder to clean it at that age, they weren't always thrilled with that. I did give them treats, just little something most days that really helped them not be concerned when I was around, and actually get excited. I have 12, 5 different breeds and they are 3 months now, and they all come running when they see the little bowl of treats in my hand. I can pick all but two Americuanas up any day wihtout much hassle. Having them associating you with treats really helps!

They are definately more docile in the evening! I can get even those two that rather not get picked up and they don't even make a fuss. They are really coming around too from doing that too.

 

[Deb Striegel]

Since I have had a variety of parrots for a number of years when I think of a "bite" I think blood and none of my chickens have ever drawn blood so to me it's all just a peck. Not that a peck from a full-grown chicken doesn't hurt. Anyway, I am now on my second batch of hens. I have 5 "old" hens who are 3 years old, come when I call and are used to the hugging, and 22 young hens who are 3 months. The rhode island reds are friendlier, barred rocks are friendlier, buff orpingtons are friendlier. On the other hand I love my americanas but they aren't all that excited about being hugged. The black miorcas, nope on hugging, and the silver-sprangled hamburg..NO on hugging. However, since I pay the feed bill and I love to hold my chickens I do...in the evening when they have taken up a spot on the roost. Sometimes I just go through and touch each one and sometimes I pick them each up for a quick cuddle. I do one or the other every night.

It is very helpful to have them associate you with food and treats. The friendler ones will hop right up in your lap or even on your shoulder. The more skittish might take awhile and some may never get that brave. My daughter has commented that my chickens are like kitties because you can pet them. Not all are as pettable but to me they are pets. Of course if you plan to eat them probably best not to get too close. I just can't even think of eating my hens.

 

[galefrances]

I do bring food once or twice a day. I've noticed now that when they see me most of them come running. I admit I don't hand feed them since they got larger. They've hurt me because they're so fast. They kind of act crazy, racing to get the food before anyone else and in their haste they tend to snip at my hand. I use a little plastic cup now. I figure it's about the same and it keeps my hand clear of any pecks.

When I had them in the brooder in the house, they seemed to be much friendlier. Since they've been in the coop, they've become more indifferent. Generally if they see my hand coming towards them they scatter. All except my 6 wk. old Barred Rock ( the 4 wk. old Barred Rock is the one that bit me- no blood ). I can pet them though if they're roosting, but I get the sense they'd rather I didn't.

I've decided to pretty much leave them alone for now. Take it slow, maybe just a pet when they're roosting. They seem pretty calm then. I think I sent them to the coop too soon. When they were in the house I spent alot of time with them. Since in the coop, I've only see them 3-4 times per day. Makes a difference I think. I also wish I hadn't started with so many. It would have been easier to develop a relationship with maybe 6 instead of 12. My husband still thinks I'm expecting too much, a chicken is a chicken no matter how domesticated they might be. He doesn't believe in treating animals as pets ( other than his Saint Bernards of course ).

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. It helps to have someone knowledgable to talk with.

 

[Sylvestor12]

Aracaunas seem to be a more skittish breed. EVERY one I've got is nice but gets skittish over time. lol One of my mixes when it wasn't able to find at good perch it found that my shoulder is very cozy.

 

[ImTheRealElly]

i've found that my chickens get tamer and friendlier once they start laying eggs. they will come up to me and squat down. whenever they do this they seem to enjoy being held and carried around. the younger chickens don't do it. if you really want to pick them up it's pretty easy to do when they are roosting. and if you hold them snug against yoiu they tolerate being held. some like it better than others. they have such different personalities.
they will climb on you to get a piece of your watermelon. and i've had them jump up to peck the seeds out of a piece right while i'm eating it. so that's a pretty good way to get the used to you.