I have 7 month old pullets that were hatched under their momma. I didn't get anywhere near them as chicks. So I never attempted to make them lap pets. Sumatras are very timid to begin with. Recently one of them injured a toe, so I picked her up. She squaked the first time. I held her and spoke to her while I checked her toe, twice a day. I'd pet her and touch her head and feet before I put her down. I'd carry her around for a few minutes as I did some chores. After a week of this, she was coming to me for the attention. When I'd put her down she'd follow me, jump up on my shoulder and insist on more loving. She seemed very needy for my attention all of a sudden. After her toe was healed, I started picking up a different pullet each day. Going through the same routine. They do squak once the first couple of times.
I would never grab them or chase them or make any quick movements. Scoop them up, tuck her under your arm like a football. Speak softly. Set her down before she insists.
The chicks I have hatched inside have my hand in the brooder a few times a day (Iwork). I start with tapping the waterdish and feed dish. I leave my hand still and they jump up on the back of my hand and hang out. They get used to my hand and run to it. My face is peering in, speaking to them while they play on my hand. None of my birds are afraid of me.
I would never grab them or chase them or make any quick movements. Scoop them up, tuck her under your arm like a football. Speak softly. Set her down before she insists.
The chicks I have hatched inside have my hand in the brooder a few times a day (Iwork). I start with tapping the waterdish and feed dish. I leave my hand still and they jump up on the back of my hand and hang out. They get used to my hand and run to it. My face is peering in, speaking to them while they play on my hand. None of my birds are afraid of me.
