4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Roos]

How can you tame your chickens ?Can you just hold them every day or do you do something else

please answer

 

grace

[TAJ]

Some are naturally tamer than others - one of mine will still only put up with us, whilst the other two are happy being in our company. Treats are always a good thing and they get use to you being about with them.

 

Personally too much just being picked up is not a good idea, feeding from your hand, stroking them, letting them sit on you in the garden will get them closer. These days we cannot be seen without them coming running to great us, but you have to build up their confidence.

 

Tracy

[Roos]

We feed ours bread and they always know when its time.Is this helping?

grace

[Sandychick]

I think just spending time with them works well. I have to admit, I didn't really put much effort into taming mine, I left it up to them. They are very friendly though. If I sit on the bench, all three of them jump up and sit on the bench, and on me, looking for some fuss!

[Egluntyne]

If you take them out of the eglu/cube through the pophole at night, an hour or so after they have gone to roost, they will be dozy and not too flappy.

 

You can stroke them and talk to them and get them used to being handled, and it gives you a chance to get used to handling them too.

[Lisa]

I have read on other postings that it is not a good idea to feed chickens bread as it can cause problems! I am sure more experienced omleteers can advise you. Mine love corn and I have a little shiny metal dish that I put it in. If I go near the food bin or have the dish they will fight to get onto my knee or any other family member!

[Egluntyne]

If you do give bread, tear it into tiny pieces so that it doesn't cause an obstruction.

 

Make sure there is plenty of water available.

 

You could moisten the bread a little too.

[mostin]

I stroke mine each time I feed them treats. While they are waiting for their treats i give each one a cuddle as they don't run away then as they know food is on the way, so they put up with it. It must be working as today for the 1st time Dolly jumped on my knee for a cuddle and a raisin.

[moomin]

Find a convenient bench or wall or get a chair from your kitchen. Sit on it with a treat bowl full of meal worms or sweet corn or something else just as scrummy for chickens. Let them see what's in it but don't give them any.

 

Within a few days they will be jumping up beside you on the bench, or climbing on your lap to get to the treat bowl!

 

I am taming mine to use the ladder up to their Eglu at the moment by putting a raisin onto each step. They are getting the idea.

 

Take things relaxed and slowly, it takes time to get their trust. You'll be fine.

 

I would love to be able to pick mine up each day but generally they don't like it. You have to be close to them on their terms. The most I get is when they 'crouch', then I scoop them up and kiss their little dusty heads