Flock of 9 chickens... 17 weeks old. I handled them from babies but they still run away from me! When will they be pet-like and friendly?? I've heard when they start laying they get nicer, but it would have to be a pretty dramatic change from right now...
I think it really depends on the breed, my pullets arent friendly either the only 2 chicks I had that were friendly were the roos I got rid of, I did get a lame buff orp from someone that is tame but I dont know if she would be the same if she could run like the others. I think maybe you need to continuously hold and hand feed them from hatchlings to make them real friendly, I'm going to do that with my next chick.
Try getting down on their level. If you sit on a towel with them, you are a lot less like a predator. My BYC page has what I've done with rescued chickens to tame them; you might try it. Anyway, good luck and lots of people's chickens get friendlier when they start to lay...
Give them treats,talk to them sofly, sit with them but don`t try to grab them. Let them come to you and if you think they are comfortabe with you try to pet them but move very slowly.Also when it is time to lock them up for the night go in the coop and tell them a bed time story. Try to pet them then but don`t force it. Sooner or later they will come around or aat least some. Just stay calm
