What is the best way to get chickens friendly?

[MidnightChickenLover]

I want to know what it the best way to get them people friendly... How do you get them used to being held? The chicks in the past have hated being held, except one. Then when they got friendly they got to that stage where if it isn't food.. run away. Help, please

 

[lalaland]

chickens don't really get the concept of friendship, they are mostly in it for the food, the safety, and familiarity.

but, to get chickens to come to you,
- try to always remember to move slowly and calmly whenever possible
- treats, treats, more treats (these can be healthy treats)
= spend as much time with them as you can, even if you are paying your bills while you sit in the run, or talking on your cell, or reading a book, etc.
- when you are going to spend time with them, stick a couple of treats in your pocket. reward those that come check you out.
- once they start hanging out with you, they will still take off to check out a bug, wander around, chase something, graze, etc. don't take it personally!
- get them used to handling - dusk in the coop is a great time to do this. You can use this time to check their feet, their eyes, vent, etc - again moving slowly.
chickens I haven't personally raised from day old chicks have been less likely to have any interest in interacting with me
have fun and enjoy watching them

 

[max101]

Give them mealworms you will be the best thing to them since sliced cheese.

 

[fargosmom]

Sliced cheese would work pretty well too

.
Ours were not particularly fond of being handled, but would put up with it due to daily holding . . . but something clicked when they started laying and two of them got downright friendly. Both will peck my legs, HARD, when I enter the run and when I pick them up they settle right down for some serious head-skritching. Problem is each one is jealous of the other, so while I'm doing the skritching I'm getting pecked too!! I usually make sure I'm wearing jeans for self-protection

. But anywho I do think treats, and moving slowly, and having a really regular schedule all contributed. Good luck with yours!

 

[TammyTX]

My husband wears a t-shirt with a pocket and he puts whole wheat bread in the pocket. Then he'll hold a chicken on his lap and show them the food. After a couple of times they sit there w/o being held but once the food is gone so are they.

He feels so used afterwards.