My flock wont let me touch them

[DuckDuckSook]

I have hens that are 5 months, teenage chicks at 11 weeks and younger chicks that are 5 weeks old. My hens, which are not laying yet, are skittish around me, but not as bad as it was a few weeks ago. They might be getting ready to lay now. The breeds for those are: Easter Egger, Blue Australorp, and Buff Orpington. My teenage chicks are actually my friendliest at the moment. I've been picking them up quite a bit and I think that has made them even friendlier. They are 3 Cinnamon Queens and 1 Easter Egger. My youngest chicks are still in my house in the brooder and they are skittish right now. When we first got them, they were very friendly. The breeds of my youngest chicks are: Cream Legbar, Cuckoo Marans, Black Sumatran, Colombian Wyandotte, Fibro Easter Egger, and Cookies and Cream. The only 3 out of that group that really come over to me are the Cream Legbar, the Marans, and the Cookies and Cream. I was expecting all my Easter Eggers to be the most people-social, and that hasn't proven to be the case. I think every chicken is uniquely different and every breed is going to have some friendly personalities and some that are stand-offish.

 

[NatJ]

They are just so skittish! I gotta move incredibly slow in order for them to not freak out and run away lol.

I would say to move at whatever speed is convenient for you, and let them get used to it.
When you do want them to take treats from your hand, hold still and offer the treats.

They might just be getting out of the way, rather than actually scared. Chickens seem able to learn the difference between "offering treats" and "watch out, I'm busy."

 

[Shadrach]

I can't think of a single reason why a chicken should trust a human.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I think a lot has to do with your demeanor, body language and general emotions they sense. I did not hold my chickens when they were little, I don't feed them treats out of my hand (rarely even get treats) and I don't try to pet them or pick them up unless I have to. You would think my chickens run away from me right? Nope. If I sit out in the grass guess who comes running over to me? If I sit in a lawn chair I have chickens pulling at my shoe laces and sitting under my chair. If I squat down to grab something and look up I have an audience. They have access to food 24/7 and free range most of the day they don't equate me showing up with food either. Some days I wish they liked me less because I'm already clumsy enough without having to trip over chickens.

 

[MochaLatte]

The thing about friendly chickens is that they can start demanding attention and the concomitant treats. A chicken that's always underfoot. I'd rather they remain a bit aloof and wary.

This ^^^

Sometimes my girls run over to me and squat *immediately infront* of my feet and I almost die trying to not step on their toes.

 

[McChooky]

I can't think of a single reason why a chicken should trust a human.

Exactly! lol

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

I think a lot has to do with your demeanor, body language and general emotions they sense. I did not hold my chickens when they were little, I don't feed them treats out of my hand (rarely even get treats) and I don't try to pet them or pick them up unless I have to. You would think my chickens run away from me right? Nope. If I sit out in the grass guess who comes running over to me? If I sit in a lawn chair I have chickens pulling at my shoe laces and sitting under my chair. If I squat down to grab something and look up I have an audience. They have access to food 24/7 and free range most of the day they don't equate me showing up with food either. Some days I wish they liked me less because I'm already clumsy enough without having to trip over chickens.

That's so awesome for you and your flock!

Mine will peck at my shoes, and come running to me when I enter their run, (this was prior to treats as I just started giving them at 15wks) they come up to me when I sit down etc... just don't don't them lol...

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

I can't think of a single reason why a chicken should trust a human.

Perhaps I have different flock goals and i do wish they would trust me.. these are ladies that will be around till they die naturally or a preditor gets them..
However, I am sure over the course of time they will learn I have no intentions to harm them...ill just keep on keeping on

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The thing about friendly chickens is that they can start demanding attention and the concomitant treats. A chicken that's always underfoot. I'd rather they remain a bit aloof and wary.

Or they'll fly onto your back when you're doing other things. 2 of my sebrights are really bad at that

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

I would say to move at whatever speed is convenient for you, and let them get used to it.
When you do want them to take treats from your hand, hold still and offer the treats.

They might just be getting out of the way, rather than actually scared. Chickens seem able to learn the difference between "offering treats" and "watch out, I'm busy."

Solid advice, thank you
I was wondering if i could ever move at full speed again lol

My mom had chickens...and I never thought the way I do abt them like I do my own...

I just want them to be the happiest little ladies lol