Taming Chickens

[SubUFarmer]

Does anyone have tips on taming a hen? We just got a new Dominique pullet about 11 weeks old. She has been with us for a week. She has been free ranging, given special treats and the 4 other hens have accepted her. She still isn't crazy about people. She bites me a lot. Not just peck; I mean clamps down on my fingers. Do I just need to give her more time? Is this just a quality of the breed? Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[hispoptart]

Not sure about the breed, but with mine they are about 12 weeks now and when they peck me hard I tap them on their beaks or grab it for a sec and tell them NO! seems to help. I am sure some one else with more experience will come along soon.

 

[juliawitt]

My Doms are my sweetest chickens. However, I got them as little peeps. So, if your dom has never been handled, you will have to work on it. Mealworms are my favorite way to tame. I get a couple of mealworms in my palm and then give them to the chicken I need to tame. After a few days of this "special" treatment, she should view you as a way to get a tasty treat. Since she isn't used to human interaction and wasn't handled as a peep, I don't know how quickly this will work. I currently have 12 new babies in the brooder. Everyday, I make sure I pick each one up, pet it and talk to it. Makes for more easily handled chickens. Best of luck!! Oh, and I agree, if they bite, I would push the offender away gently. Then I would force her to let me pick her up. She needs to know you are large and in charge......

 

[jenkassai]

This is my first time with chickens, and I just got them a couple of weeks ago as day-olds, but my Dominique girls are the friendliest of my "flock". They run to me when I stick my hand in the brooder and stand there waiting to be picked up. Hopefully she'll warm up to you in time with those tasty treats!

 

[SubUFarmer]

Thank you so much for your responses. I will try to give her some treats. Have a great day!

 

[ZoeS95423]

I got my dominiques at about 8 weeks old, they were scared at first, but they LOVE peas. Now when I go outside they come running, and follow me around half the time.