Shy chicks

[checkersathena]

Hi, I have 5 chickens and whenever I open the coop door, they run and hide. I have tried oats, but they don't seem to like them. Any ideas how to make them less shy and like me?

 

[Hufflefluff]

Hello Checkersathena! I would recomend trying different treats to figure out what they will like. Put a handful or two of a treat they might like, such as mealworms, fresh strawberries, blueberries, grapes, or overripe peach slices, near the door of your run, then take a few steps back, so you're maybe a yard away. Then sit or stand stil,, and talk to them so they will get used to your voice and associate it with food. Try differeent treats until you find a few that they like, then alternate between these. If you do this often, you can be a step or two closer once they seem happy eating from the front of the run. Keep on talking to them while they eat- you could read aloud a book, tell them stories, or figure out math problems or something out loud. The important part is that they begin to associate your voice and presence with treats. Once they are usedto you being close enough to touch, have them eat out of your hands. They might e timid at first, but soon they'll be eating like usual. After a few days of hand feeding, try to pet them while they eat. They will run at first, but they'll soon get used to it. Hope this helps!