Question about friendliness

[silkiechicken]

Mine don't like to be held either, but to catch them, go from under. Same with chicks. Doesn't bring their pred response into action as fast. Generally mine are harder to catch and hold, but for free ranging and avoiding 2-4 legged preds, it's good they can't be caught.

 

[rebecca10782]

I don't think it will rub off. The only way to tame them is to have them around you all the time. We bring or babies and our hen in at night for a few hours. They were completely untame when we got them. Now the minute we bring them in, the hop out of their box and jump on my lap or my dads head

He does not enjoy it that much, only because he gets pooped on

I put a wee wee pad on my lap so the poop never gets on me. If you have large chickens that wont wear diapers, start petting them while they are roosting at night. They are much more calm. Bring them treats and purr at them

 

[backintime]

Try bringing a lawn chair and old towel into the coop run -- open up the chair, sit down and QUICKLY cover your lap with an old towel. (Mine rarely poop on me, but their feet can be pooey!) They'll jump up in your lap out of curiosity, especially if they don't have much else to roost on out there. Don't reach for them right away - let them discover that your lap is a safe place to sit a spell. They'll probably pick at your jeans and shoes (testing, testing, is this FOOD?) After a few days, pick out the friendliest looking one sitting on your knee, and gently put one hand in front of her chest and use the other hand to stroke her back gently. I'm with the others, don't reach for her head or come from "above." I have had as many as 6 hens perched on me, the chair arms, my feet, etc., and several of them LOVE to be petted and cuddled. It's the perfect time to have a beer and enjoy the funny goings on in the coop.

 

[Fudgie]

Quote:
:aww AKA CHICKEN THERAPY!!!! Lots more inexpensive than laying on a couch letting someone else listen to you that does not give a crap. The chickeys turn their heads like they really care about what you are saying! And they PAY YOU with eggs and meat! What a deal!

 

[BawkinOnTheBench]

Quote:
That's a great way of putting it! Maybe if I put it that way my DD will finally understand!

 

[Chickybaby]

I think some of it is the breed - there are some that are naturally more friendly than others. I have Brahmas that we spent a LOT of time with and they are great, as are the Brahmas we got later that didn't get near the same amount of attention. We also have Cornish bantams, and no matter how much time we spend with them (and we DID when they were little) they still act like we're trying to kill them if we get close to them. Not so much if they can get close to us, but nowhere near as friendly as others we have...

 

[lovemychix]

For most breeds...If your good to them they will be good to you. If your great to them....they will be great to you. I think of it as gaining their trust.

 

[debilorrah]

The ones we bought as adults don't like us to come near them, but if I catch them, they are clam and let me pet them and seem to enjoy it too. Our 9 week olds are a different story. We have them since there were 1 week, and they practically knock us down when we go in there. They LOVE us!!!!

 

[henney]

My husband asked me, are the girls to friendly? I laughed. We have 3 RIR's and 2 EE'rs. They come to the screen door and look in at us. If I open the door they walk in! Henrietta the RIR, follows me and my husband around outside all the time, her nickname is Miss Nosey! Penney, my EE'r likes to be held and cuddled and petted on top of her head. The others just enjoy to be around not held for long. There all so differ.