You’ve bought your chicken home, the coop is set up and the run is secure. Now you need to build trust between you and your new garden buddies. Letting out the chickens for the first time can be daunting. If you let them out in the evening, they won’t stay far from the coop. Stay in the garden with them and throw out some treats like raisins or sweetcorn. Make sure they have to hunt these treats out near you. The next time you do this, offer the chickens food from your hand. Then, try slowly stroking them on the chest and back.
So now your chickens are happy being near you, you need to get to the next stage – picking them up. The trick is being confident. Move your hands down to the chickens holding the wings against the body so she can’t flap. Lift up up supporting the underneath with your other hand. She’ll only struggle if she feels unsecure. When she feels safe, she’ll settle against you.
Quick tips:
An easy way of picking up your chicken after she’s gone to bed. Pick her off the perch and gently put her back on the perch when you’re done.
Once your chickens are tame, they’ll follow you around, even in to the house if the back door is left open.
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Thanks for these tips. I’ve got one chicken that eats from my hand, but the others are too afraid. I’d like them all to be a bit more tame. Will try what you recommend!