Question about taming chickens

[schmoo]

Thanks everyone! I'll just keep trying, hopefully they are in the inbetween stage. I spend alot of time with them and give them treats by hand every couple days. It's nice to hear the responses and know some of you have had similar experiences.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Out of all my birds my last 2 EE's are the friendly ones they let me pick them up & hold them. They let me pet them and they don't run away from my daughter either. I didn't hold these 2 very much when they were chicks either so I have no idea why they are so friendly now. I can even go pick them up when they are out free ranging in the yard. Go figure?

 

[Whirlwind]

My sex-links are my friendliest ones. I got them when they were 1 1/2 and can pick both of them up. Got my BR's when they were 4 mon. old. Can't pick any of them up with out a big fuss, but they do follow me around like they are dogs. LOL

I think if you spend time and feed them treats they will calm down again. Don't give up.

They really LOVE YOU for the treats.

 

[Rosalind]

With mine it is all down to timing and how they are picked up. About 1 hour after eating treats, in the afternoon when they are feeling settled, when they are roosting on their very highest perch and are chest-height to me, some of them will permit me to gently pick them up by scooping up their feet and steadying their backs. Then if I hold my arms very still they will sit down on my arms.

The same chickens, when feeling perky and running around, turn into utter jerks when I try to pet them or pick them up if I am standing and they are on the ground. And they bite hard.