Seven dead hens within 4 hours, not attacked. UPDATE: Teflon Poisoning!

[bruceha2000]

Ah but now they have 11! The remaining rooster and his new harem.

 

[BantyChooks]

Congratulations! They are so cute.

 

[Blooie]

Let them come to you. Patience. Accustom them first to looking forward to your visits by moving slowly, talking quietly, and having treats to distribute. Sit on the ground (when it finally thaws) holding treats that they will have learned they love by then. Just sit quietly. One is sure to come over and sample a bit. The others won’t be far behind. And it won’t take long before they eagerly look forward to your company, allow you to stoke them, and then the magic will happen when you least expect it! I sure wish you and your family all the best!

 

[TwoCrows]

Lol, I had shooed him into the run area so I could add fresh wood shavings and fill the food and water. Then I brought them in and as soon as I opened the first box he was doing the watusi. They were not quite as impressed with the giant dancer at first- but seem to be relaxing a bit. Not sure how long before they’ll ever let me hold them! I hope soon!

LOL....how cute!

Give them a few days to get used to you and the routine before trying to touch or handle them. Then I would go sit on the floor with a bag of mealworms or something and tempt them to come close. Sprinkle them around you and hold them in your hand. Do this every day for a while, soon they will be begging to sit on your lap.

 

[Morrigan]

So happy for you and your rooster. The chickens are beautiful and he looks over the moon with pride!

 

[bruceha2000]

And it won’t take long before they eagerly look forward to your company, allow you to stoke them, and then the magic will happen when you least expect it!

I don't think I would stoke a chicken

I don't know about anyone else's chickens but mine are none too fond of being picked up. I can do it with a couple of them but it isn't something they want. All 17 of them do come charging for morning kitchen scraps, BOSS and evening scratch (grains). Most of them will eat out of my hand but not all.

 

[aart]

I don't think I would stoke a chicken

Treats will get them stoked!

Most my birds don't like to be touched, but I am not a 'cuddler'...why I handle them off the roost at night to get them used to my touch and voice.

 

[sunflour]

Btw, I got 10.

glad you did.

View attachment 1236049 There’s a lot of dust in the air as there were a lot of feathers flapping just before I got this. They’re definitely faster than my old girls. Here is Sir Lane standing tall among them though- I think he’s a happy rooster today. I’m going to give them an hour to chill out, then I’m bringing fresh water and a treat before lights out. They’re so active I don’t dare leave a warming lamp on overnight like I did before. One already laid an egg on the way home too!

Sir Lane does look regal with his new gals

 

[AaronandAlice]

I don't think I would stoke a chicken

I don't know about anyone else's chickens but mine are none too fond of being picked up. I can do it with a couple of them but it isn't something they want. All 17 of them do come charging for morning kitchen scraps, BOSS and evening scratch (grains). Most of them will eat out of my hand but not all.

A couple of my old ones loved to be held, they'd make noise and jump up at my arms until I held them and spoke with them for a few minutes. I had them all since they were a day old though, so they were used to me wanting to pet them and hold them and got pissy if I didn't!
I have no expectation of reaching that point with this lot, but having them not flap away as though I'm a fox in the hen house would be an acceptable first step!

 

[TwoCrows]

What others have said here, chickens don't really like to be handled, picked up or have their feet leave the ground. BUT, they do love to lap sit and some of mine do love to be lightly pet on the back or even a head scratching as they sit on my lap.