Tips Taming Hens

[Whatthecluck16]

Hey there, I have 4 13 week old hens and have had them for about 2 1/2 weeks. Just wondering if there are any good ways to tame them. They are quite skittish but have managed to get them to eat out of my hand, all I want to do is pick them up (but they aren't having any of that). I've read they start to settle down a bit once laying but currently when I go near they run off. Also if someone could recommend some ideas for treats that they would like, it might help get them to like me a bit more!!

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there! Some chickens just don't like to be picked up. They'll need to get used to being handled. I usually do anything that requires picking up a chicken at night after they're roosting. Easier for me.

Things they'll like right now are seeds and bugs. Especially live bugs, you can get live mealworms at walmart in the sporting goods section. They may or may not like greens. Slow movements are best. Sit on the ground with them or in a chair and let them get to know and trust you. It can take a while so don't think it'll be just a couple days and voila.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Many chickens don't really want to be handled, but you have other things working against you here. They're relatively new to you, and likely haven't been handled much before, and at that teenage stage where they're less likely to want to be handled anyway.

Spend time with them so they can continue getting used to your presence. Just sitting and reading in the run, having a cup of coffee, listening to soft music, those are all pretty non threatening. Treats, which you've already been doing, are also good bribes to get them to come a little closer and to explore you (not sure what you're giving them, but mine are happy with almost anything: dried black soldier fly larva, grubs, fruit like peaches and strawberries, leafy greens). If some are willing to get close enough to take food from you, you can slowly reach out and try stroking their chest briefly.

Once they reach point of lay they'll calm down noticeably, and at that point, if you've worked on being their friend (and treat person), some of them may accept being handled at that time.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Some people think of their chickens as pets, like a cat or a dog, and want to interact with them in that way, but it's not really natural for the chicken. Generally if you want a pet chicken it's best to start handling them right out of the shell, or as day-old chicks. Chickens are prey animals. They have a strong instinct to protect themselves, which means they think "keep away!" when any other critter, including you, tries to get near it. Anything in nature that chases or grabs it, or tries to pick it up, probably wants to eat it, not love on it. It will take a lot of time, patience and persistence to convince your chickens otherwise. But it can be done! Good luck, and enjoy your birds! (Hint: try mealworms!)