Not so friendly hens.

[Chicksforfun.]

I have had all of my girls from day old chicks but they still w/o t let me pet them or pick them up what can I do to make them more friendly?

 

[Pork Pie]

Spending a lot of time with them is a good idea. Take a book or your iPod and simply sit with them. A few treats, hand fed at some point will also help. Not all will be as friendly as the odd one or two, regardless of what you do.

 

[New2Chicks97]

I have had all of my girls from day old chicks but they still w/o t let me pet them or pick them up what can I do to make them more friendly?

We have raised ours from babies too but we still have some that won’t let you touch them. Some are ok with pets and some are ok with being held. I considered it a victory that they come running and walk around me when I come outside. Of course it is because I am the proverbial chuck wagon I always bring them some treats and that ensures they want to spend at least a little time with me

Give it some time. Let them get used to you. Oh and treats.....always bring a little bit of treats with you. Treats are a chickens love language. Mine are fond of fresh veggies/fruits and scratch grains. You will have to find out what treat yours like best.

 

[Susan12]

My naked necks are the only ones that will let my grandson pet them.i didn't do anything different it's just how they are.

 

[snow5164]

They need to hear your voice and think “ Food!”

Sit on the ground with them ,talk to them when you’re cleaning the coop, or adding water. I make it a habit to talk or sing to them .

I’ve had very friendly breeds and stand offish breeds. I did the same thing with both .As long as they come when they see you that’s a victory

 

[chickengeorgeto]

A lot of things that eat chickens (not the least of which are humans) come at chickens from overhead. Try getting down on your chickens' level.

 

[MIchickenlady]

I got my day old chicks last year this time. I handled them from the first day I brought them home, hand fed them treats, sat in their pen and let them walk on my legs, talk to them. Once they moved outside to their coop, I continued sitting with them daily-my 'chicken therapy' time I enjoy watching them, talking to them, giving treats, even singing to them. They crawl on my lap willingly, sometimes let me pet them a little, sometimes they still hop away if I touch them. But sometimes, one or two of them will snuggle on my lap and hang out-my favorite! It takes patience and perseverance, but they will get to know you, your voice, and especially the sound of the treat bag/jar!!
I LOVE it when they come running, so cute and funny!
Enjoy your chickens

 

[OrpingtonFairy]

I’ve had mine all from babies and i would pick them up everyday to cuddle with them. They’d fall asleep on me