why won't my hen let me touch her

[Shadrach]

It may seem a silly oint but given how much chcikens rely

Innocently enough I do a lot of these things you mentioned, especially during cold weather since my outer wear (coat, gloves, hat, boots, jeans or sweats) are always the same. And luckily enough I sing to the chickens as I approach the run, which during cold months is completely covered in opaque plastic, and also when I enter the coop after dark. However, I still feel very fortunate the majority of my birds are excited and more than willing to be not only petted, but cuddled. I’m thankful.

I would guess, if your chickens are prepared to be picked up without too much fuss you have a calm disposition and as you mentioned, you identify yourself on approach.
I can if I choose pick up 80% of the chickens here with relative ease. Given there are 5 from one group gathered around my feet as I type this gives some idea of the relationship I have with them. I don't cuddle them. I rarely pick them up. I do want to be able to though because in the event of an injury or the need to examine with my coop setup it's a lot easier to do during daylight hours.

 

[Shadrach]

True, maybe, but.....my voice lets them know I am who I am.
Am not going to 'dress' for the birds. tho I do slow my movements if they are startled.
I have seen them be startled by my appearance(clothing?) or something I'm carrying(for sure), but once they hear my voice they calm down. But then I am not a chicken cuddler, and rarely need to handle/examine a bird during the day.

I didn't start by dressing for the chickens, I wore overalls, or the same clothes because they are practical. I do bear in mind that they are likely to be more nervous if I wear a hood, hat, or a completely different outfit now though.
If I had a large walk in coop like yours I would do the majority of examinations etc at night when they're roosting. As you know, the coops I have are somewhat on the small side for me and the chickens.

 

[Compost King]

I like to pick up a cat and pet him/her to see if it makes the chickens jealous.. nope didn't work... I don't have any desire to pick up any birds unless its to tame an aggressive rooster. Yeah they are cute and cuddly but I never had a return of affection from chickens like I do with my cats so I stick to the cats and let the chickens scratch and peck.

 

[Shorty22366]

My babies all try to sit on my lap when I sit in run. It gets crowded on my lap especially with 52 of them. I put 2 chairs in so at least they can sit beside me. They let me rub their chest and under their beaks. I can pick them up if I need to examine them. But like others have said when they are molting they don't want to be touched. I think it is painful for them
Just sit with them and let them get to know you. Love spending time with my chooks.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Hiya
Nice to meet you!


Trust takes time to build.
If it were me I’d get a chair with some of her favorite treats. Sit and talk to her. Pat your leg to encourage her to hop up. Start slowly with short strokes then treats.
Some just are not cuddlers my SLW is not. She won’t even attempt to hop up if others are around. When it’s just me and her a hop up a quick pet or two and she’s done.
Take your time. Best wishes

 

[Compost King]

My babies all try to sit on my lap when I sit in run. It gets crowded on my lap especially with 52 of them. I put 2 chairs in so at least they can sit beside me. They let me rub their chest and under their beaks. I can pick them up if I need to examine them. But like others have said when they are molting they don't want to be touched. I think it is painful for them
Just sit with them and let them get to know you. Love spending time with my chooks.

You have that magic touch I lack with chickens, however I have it with cats, even stray cats will come up and sit on my lap.

 

[Chickassan]

It depends on the chicken. Some enjoy being touched and held and some don't. If she's eating from your hand she's obviously O.K with her touching you just not vice versa. Chickens like her you just have to let decide on if and when there is going to be more contact, one day she might decide to jump in your lap or on your shoulder but it won't happen until she wants it to. Sounds more like dating etiquette than gaining chicken trust doesn't it?