Will 10 week old pullets still be friendly?

[chrissy855]

I am a first time chicken owner. I want chickens for pets and to lay eggs. I have found a breeder that has the breeds I want (Australops, Salmon Favorelles and EE's) and I can buy them as sexed pullets. However, by the time I am able to get them they will be anywhere from 8-11 1/2 weeks old ( some are already hatched). At that age, will they still be able to be friendly and nice chickens? If I pet/hold them a lot, will that increase the chances of them being friendly? If you have EE's, Salmon Favorelles or Australops, do you find them to be friendly?

Thanks
Christine

 

[Harrietsmum]

Yes, especially if you bribe them with treats. I got my Australorps at ten weeks. If I sit down outside, Henrietta jumps onto my knee to see what is for morning tea!

 

[PunkinPeep]

I don't know about those specific breeds, but i have noticed that mine seem to go through an annoying teenager stage, around 12-20 weeks, when they're not as friendly. Thankfully, they come back to love me after they start laying good.

 

[joletabey]

If your breeder has handled them, they will be friendly - if not, yes! Treats should win them over. It will just take a little time.

 

[chrissy855]

If the breeder did handle them, will it make a huge difference to their friendliness if I get them as chicks or as 10 week olds?

 

[chrissy855]

Also, will all chickens eat treats? I know not all chickens will like the same thing but they will eat some treats, right? That sounds kinda stupid but I have a cat who refuses to eat anything but cat food (not even shrimp!).

 

[flockof4]

I got my pullets at 7-8 weeks and they got used to me and quickly became friendly enough to hold. I approach them on their level, low to the ground, and this seems to help. Most chickens will eat treats. They all seem to love cracked corn. Mine love sunflower seeds, yogurt and the occasional helping of cat food or fish. I have an Australorp and an EE.