why dont my chickens love me?

[seminolewind]

It's funny, my most snuggliest chickens have been my roos. And out of my breeds, my Jersey Giants (7) are all very tolerant of holding, and petting. All 7 are very friendly and inquisitive, and like hanging out with me. So I'm hatching some more!

Of course Lola in my avatar is the most affectionate and demands attention constantly, and tries to sneak into the house every chance she gets.

 

[kookadala]

Thanks to everyone for your advice! I don't plan to clip their wings just yet, but might have to soon as they are flying around their enclosure without too much trouble right now. I heard it is best to only clip one wing so they are off balance when they try to fly and tend to roll over. Sounds like it would be funny to watch.

 

[Chick CJ]

Quote:
I just wanted to say that all of my chicks flew like crazy in their pen but once they got outside they basically stopped doing it. Now they only "fly" when they are trying to get somewhere fast, like running across the lawn which is wide open space with no covering of any sort, in order to get to the other side of the yard where there is covering. Or if they feel they are in danger and trying to get away from it. I don't know for sure but I think maybe they are learning how to fly and use their wings as chicks and that is why they do it so much at this stage. I think you would be safe to wait and see if any of them end up being "flying escapees" before doing anything drastic.
CJ

 

[SillyChicken]

Definatly too young to worry about that yet. I won the hearts (tummys) of my chicks by giving them crickets and meal worms. Now they are 3.5 months old and come running when I call.

I have a feeling most chickens aren't "snuggly" like we wish sometimes. Being held sets off the preditor/prey panic button which helps keep them alive... and they weren't bred for coddling like dogs n cats are. Not that some don't or won't.... just don't be upset if they just don't turn out that way.... it's not cause you did something wrong.

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
x2 Speaking to them and making slow movements can also help. It takes time and perseverance

 

[Qi Chicken]

Quote:
I'm sorry, but what a horrible thing to say. I don't think it is funny to watch a crippled animal struggle. To give them treats, to talk softly to them so that they won't be scared of you because you want to clip their wings to watch them fall down is despicable.

 

[Panhanle RIR]

It could be also you got them older and they will take longer to trust you rather than having raised them from a lil baby chick

 

[hylla]

This really should go without saying, but clipping a chicken's wing is an unnecessary, damaging thing to do, and certainly will not be forgotten by the chicken. You want them to like you?
NEVER chase chickens. That makes you the predator and can not be undone.
Put an old towel or something comfy on the ground and just sit with your chickens. If you extend your legs in front of you, they'll come over to investigate the bottom of your shoes. The most adventurous among them will step up onto your legs after a couple visits. Just talk nicely and do not try to pet it yet. Others will follow when they've seen it's safe. When you first go to pet it, go from the front of the chick and just gently touch the lower beak, then under the throat and chest.
The key is to proceed slowly, a little more each day and only with the chicks who trust you.
If you try to pet a chicken on its back, it thinks you're a predator.

 

[mistyfeather]

the way to a chickens heart ..........is through its crop

they will maul you over cooked salmon

if i even smelled like i had been touching salmon they would folow me around the yard

 

[noodleroo]

I think the trick here is to find out what treats they really like and sit on the ground with them while holding their treats in your lap (so they have to stand on your legs to get them). I did this recently with Guineas and it worked really well. Somewhere I have a picture of a guinea on my lap eating out of my hand with a neighborhood cat in my lap too. Move slowly and talk gently. Everything in the world eventually responds to consistent love....