Will they ever warm up?

[luckychick105]

I recently got three new chickens, a three month old silkie pullet, a year old silkie roo and another hen that I am not sure of the breed. At the moment they are all very skitish and do not like to be held. How do I get them to warm up to me?

luckychick105

 

[boskelli1571]

As you got them as adolescents, they are not going to be quite as friendly as chicks would be.
It is going to take time and perseverance on your behalf. Mealworms are a great bribe - first thing in the morning before they eat get down to their level and offer a handful of mealworms, if they won't approach you at first scatter the mealworms on the floor and slowly get up and move away. You can also use scratch grain or crack, but use those in the late afternoon evening time.
Do this every day that you can, once one comes to your hand the others will start. Tempting as it is, don't try to cuddle/pet until they are comfortable with you.
I will often sit quietly in a chair or on the ground (better) and read a book or use my tablet. Once they realize you aren't a threat, they will come to investigate you....patience is the key

 

[aart]

I will often sit quietly in a chair or on the ground (better) and read a book or use my tablet. Once they realize you aren't a threat, they will come to investigate you....patience is the key

Yes....time just being there with them will work better than a bunch of treats....just dole out a few treats once in a great while.

 

[luckychick105]

Thank you for your replies, I will definitely t try that!