What do you believe is the best way to make chicks/chickens friendly?

[MidnightChickenLover]

We have had quite a few riendly chickens, but I would have to say half of them are pretty reserved, and I would like to get your opinions, especially because I have new chicks.

 

[krcote]

Treats!

 

[DaughterOfEve]

treats and pick them up. scratches on backs, bellies, massage crowns, and waddles. talk or sing to them while working round them.

 

[jennh]

I agree with DaughterofEve-- treats, and lots of picking up and holding. I gave my older girls mini animal crackers for treats. Everytime I gave one a treat, I said their name. Now they all know their names, and come when I call them

Jen

 

[feathersnuggles]

Pick them up, and then give them a treat as a reward. Soon, they'll have a positive association with being held. I have one who even climbs into my lap when I'm sitting. She chirps at me quietly, which I'm sure means, "OK, where's my treat?"

 

[Manda0227]

Treats work, but I also just will sit with them. Put my hands in the brooders.. and let them get used to me. My older girls run right over to me when I go in the coop now, and my little ones all come over to me for chin rubs! I must've done something right! Being around them as much as possible helps a lot.

 

[Kanthaka]

I second the treats! Not to mention the holding and cuddling. My hens are friendly to the point of being obnoxious and annoying!

 

[markb816]

What are the best treats??

 

[Panhanle RIR]

Quote:
worms lettuce tomatoes scrambled eggs table scraps

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

I know this won't work for some people because of your brooder setups, but I had a new setup this year that I put a little bench in and sat with them a lot when they were little. My previous girls were in a tubberware brooder, so no way for me to get in there. I found by having a way to sit in their environment when they were little vs having to reach in to pick them up made them a lot more comfortable with me from the very beginning. Now these 8 girls are almost 3 months and are all certifiable lap chickens.