This may seem silly but...

[12 Acres]

You could holler "bowling balls" and it wouldn't matter. What does matter is consistency. I started training my girls when they were a day old by feeding fresh cut grass while saying "Here, chickie, chickie" to them. When they went out in the coop I used an empty cool whip container with the kitchen trimmings to carry their treats out to them. I rattled the container and said "Here, chickie, chickie" the whole time. Now that they free range, all I have to do is carry the cool whip container out and call them the same way and they come running no matter where they are. I also feed their treats around the same time each day, after supper. They're creatures of habit, so consistency on your part will pay off. It does take time though, so be patient.

 

[Knight Hawk Ranch]

I swear my free rangers post a look out. When I come out the door, a flock of 20 come flying/running to me. Dh says they don't do that for him.
I can go out and call them and they come as fast as they can cause they know I am the food bringer.
They also will go into the coop as they know that is where the majority of the food gets put down at. Makes locking them up for the night real easy.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Pavlov's famous experiments with classical conditioning proved that the response was more ingrained when the reward wasn't given 100% of the time. (This is a good explanation of why gambling can be so addicting.)

I've accustomed my chickens to expect treats when I call "Here pick-pick-pick" and/or shake feed in a can. They've also learned from experience to come running when they hear the back screen door slam. Sometimes they hear the call but don't get a treat, which keeps them more attentive.

It's extremely helpful to have the chickens so trained to come when called, it eliminates the need for so much running & chasing of chickens needing to be penned.

 

[debilorrah]

The only time mine come to me is when I have treats in my hand. Broccoli is a favorite for them. If there is nothing in my hands, they don't come near me unless it is night time and they are roosting. then I can pet them all!

 

[ZooMummzy]

When I got home Friday from our 3 week vacation, my girls went crazy clucking and cooing the minute they heard my voice. I was in the driveway, not even in eyesight of them. It made me feel so good

I think they missed me. I never really trained them, I just talk to them a lot even when I'm not bringing them treats.

 

[Their Other Mother]

Mine come running too... My husband & I enjoy sitting in the barn every morning to drink our coffee while all the animals are eating - it's our morning therepy befor work. The rose sex-links are the friendliest and jump up in my lap but not his every time we are out there. There are one or two of the white leghorns who will sometimes jump up too. The black Australorp hen and the EE (I think) rooster are not as friendly though. I'm glad some one else posted this thread, I've been meaning to ask how friendly other chickens might be. All our animals are leaches, the horses, goats, dogs... We are at the point where we have to cage or pen each animal so we can sit and enjoy thier presence with out being slobbered, pecked, rubbed on, or licked to death.

 

[beakkeeper]

AWW, so cute! I am looking forward to this!

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

I started out by giving mine treats. I ONLY call them "chickie, chickie " when I am giving them treats. That way they can relate that tone and calling with when I want them to come to me. I have tried it now without treats and they will come.

 

[miss_jayne]

mine come a-running to their fences when they hear our house doors open or close...they know that happens before we even call to them!

my free ranging bantams come to their names and also will call to me if i talk to them through our windows!

 

[ZooMummzy]

Quote:
I have coffee in the morning with my chickens too, in my nightgown and robe, lol. My family and friends call me "Lisa" from Green Acres