Will my chickens always run from me?

[Old Ben]

So for some background at the time of this post I got my chickens two days ago, 2 are fully mature (one is 3 years old and the other I’m guessing is 1-2) the rest are 3 month olds. I've been wanting to do a health check on them just as a general check up. As it is now though whenever I step in the run they go to the opposite side of it. I figured they’d be easier to handle at night, which they are. But I still don’t think they’d let me check under their wings and stuff. Plus as a side note, I don’t have a walk in coop. I can get in it, but that would likely freak them out when they’re roosting at night. Will they become more docile around me? Is there anything I can do to help the process of them trusting me? And how do I check them everywhere without hurting them?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Maybe in the next year when they realize you are bringing food and aren't trying to kill them. And you may never be able to pick them up during the day depending on the breed.
In the meantime, check them when it is fully dark. They won't see you coming. You can pluck them off the roost and use a flashlight or headlight for examination. It is easier with help.

 

[Folly's place]

It takes time for them to settle in and get calmer, although many/ most chickens never like being handled. It's easiest to check them at night, from their roost, with a flashlight. The 'miner's lamp' headlamp is wonderful for this.
As you've seen, walk-in coops and runs are the best!
Take out treats sometimes (not every time!) and call them while you scatter it on the ground around you. They will quickly learn to come running when you call!
Mary

 

[Melky]

So for some background at the time of this post I got my chickens two days ago, 2 are fully mature (one is 3 years old and the other I’m guessing is 1-2) the rest are 3 month olds. I've been wanting to do a health check on them just as a general check up. As it is now though whenever I step in the run they go to the opposite side of it. I figured they’d be easier to handle at night, which they are. But I still don’t think they’d let me check under their wings and stuff. Plus as a side note, I don’t have a walk in coop. I can get in it, but that would likely freak them out when they’re roosting at night. Will they become more docile around me? Is there anything I can do to help the process of them trusting me? And how do I check them everywhere without hurting them?

I use dried mealworms treats or crumble to entice them to me. Chicken scraps will work. I sit out with them when mine free range so they can approach me. I start with my voice so as not to startle then move up to stroking them. When close I will pick one up. I can peak under wings, at chest, and around vent externally only while observing the face for any symptoms or problems. When I hold, the chicken is nestled against me and my arms are around her wings to keep them down and feet are below. I don’t turn mine upside down like most grabbed by legs because I think that makes them skiddish. When spending more time with them, they will bond with you. They can also get used to a routine. It may take more time because they were older it sounds like when you got them.

 

[aart]

2 days is nothing, first take time to let them get used to your presence.
Chickens are prey animals first instinct is to run away.
Go out to their area frequently for short durations.
Sit quietly in the run or near the coop, talk softly and toss scratch grains or treats to them. Toss them closer and closer until they are comfortable with you being around, could take days or weeks.

I do all exams off the roost after dark wearing a headlight....
....this bod's too old to be chasing chickens.

Learning to handle a bird takes time and some practice, it's good to do regularly as they will get used to it.

Be calm(easy to say), if you're nervous they will be more so.
Grab bird by placing hands over both wings, if they can't flap they will calm more quickly. Try to keep their feet from 'grabbing ' onto anything too.

At first you might just want to then put them in a football hold and gently touch them, talking softly, they like to have their faces and wattles stroked.
Do that for a few minutes then place them back on the roost, again holding wings against their body with both hands, let them get their feet stable on the roost then slowly let go of wings with a little pat on the back. Do that a couple times a week until you all get more comfortable with it.

For exams I put them on their side or back on my lap, wearing an apron gives you a sling to help contain them between your knees. Head towards knees, hold down with one hand and use other to part feathers around vent and lift wing up to look underneath.

 

[BantyChooks]

2 days is nothing, first take time to let them get used to your presence.
Chickens are prey animals first instinct is to run away.
Go out to their area frequently for short durations.
Sit quietly in the run or near the coop, talk softly and toss scratch grains or treats to them. Toss them closer and closer until they are comfortable with you being around, could take days or weeks.

I do all exams off the roost after dark wearing a headlight....
....this bod's too old to be chasing chickens.

Learning to handle a bird takes time and some practice, it's good to do regularly as they will get used to it.

Be calm(easy to say), if you're nervous they will be more so.
Grab bird by placing hands over both wings, if they can't flap they will calm more quickly. Try to keep their feet from 'grabbing ' onto anything too.

At first you might just want to then put them in a football hold and gently touch them, talking softly, they like to have their faces and wattles stroked.
Do that for a few minutes then place them back on the roost, again holding wings against their body with both hands, let them get their feet stable on the roost then slowly let go of wings with a little pat on the back. Do that a couple times a week until you all get more comfortable with it.

For exams I put them on their side or back on my lap, wearing an apron gives you a sling to help contain them between your knees. Head towards knees, hold down with one hand and use other to part feathers around vent and lift wing up to look underneath.

Also, I've noted that birds purchased after maturity never become quite as comfortable around you as ones you've raised. They can still be friendly, they just might not be lap birds.

 

[Shorty22366]

I sit in run with mine and they come and jump in my lap or on the arm of my chair
I very slowly reach for them and pet them on their chest
Do not come at them from above. They will let me check anywhere I need to because they have learned I am not going to hurt them.

 

[Killer Tomato]

Yes to all of the posts -- it's a big change for the chickens, and they dislike change in general. They will settle down, and you might find that there are some friendly birds among the group, but definitely let them approach you.

I found that sitting on the ground (gross, I know! Use a towel) with food scattered on my legs let them approach me and gain confidence. I sat and read a book, quietly, with my nervous leghorns, and just let them hop on me.

It took time. Weeks. Months. Hang in there. Some of mine are still somewhat flighty (those leghorns!), but there's a lot of trust and affection now.

 

[RodNTN]

As others have said, it will take some time. If treated right, any bird around our house is a lapdog within 3 months It'll take patience, time, and a lot of treats!