How to Raise Friendly Chickens
Learn how to raise friendly chickens and enjoy a flock that’s easy to handle, free from aggression or shyness. With the right approach, you can raise a happy, well-socialized group of birds that thrive under your care and don’t peck at your legs.
Raising chickens is more enjoyable when you have hens that are more like pets and are a joy to be around.
When my son was little, he had a tough time with our rooster, Bubba. Every time Bubba saw him, he’d come charging—wings flapping—ready to attack. Now that I think about it, he wasn’t too fond of my husband either. Right up until the day he passed, Bubba seemed to have it out for them.
My relationship with him, though, was a completely different story. He was gentle around me, and I could approach him easily—even pick him up without any trouble.
I never quite figured out what he had against my boys, but I did learn an important lesson: start early to teach your animals to respect you, and you’ll build a more positive relationship with them in the long run.
How to Raise Friendly Chickens
Raising calm, friendly chickens isn’t just about having cute pets pecking around the yard. It’s about creating a safe, stress-free environment for both you and your flock. Friendly chickens are easier to handle, which makes routine care tasks like cleaning the coop, collecting eggs, and checking for signs of illness much simpler. A calm flock also reduces the chances of injury, both for the chickens and for you, and fosters an enjoyable bond between everyone involved.
If you’ve been thinking about how to raise friendly chickens, you’ll be glad to know it’s something you can start when they’re chicks and continue building on throughout their lives.
Raising Friendly Chickens from the Start
Friendly chickens start with good habits you build early on. Here’s what you can do when they’re chicks to set the foundation:
#1. Handle Them Gently and Often
Spend time with your chicks every day from the moment they arrive. Pick them up gently, cup them in your hands, and speak to them in a calm voice. This teaches them that you’re not a threat and helps them feel comfortable with human interaction.
#2. Create a Safe and Quiet Environment
Keep their brooder, also known as Housing for Baby Chicks, in a quiet space where they feel secure. Stressful environments can make chicks skittish and harder to bond with. Ensure the space maintains the right temperature, is clean, and always has fresh food and clean water, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises around them.
#3. Use Positive Associations
Offer treats like bits of produce or mealworms during interactions. Associating you with something rewarding helps build their trust in you. Get our list of the best Treats For Chickens so you know just what your birds will come running for!
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#4. Handle Them Daily
Get in the habit of handling your chicks every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s a great way to keep building their trust and social skills. Having chickens that behave when being held is important for their care.
Not sure how to hold a chicken? Don’t worry—we’ve got a step-by-step guide for you below.
Building a Positive Relationship as They Grow
The work doesn’t stop when your chicks grow into pullets and adult chickens. Here are some tips to keep building that bond:
#1. Spend Time with Them Daily
Sit or stand near your chickens so they get used to your presence. Talk to them, sprinkle a little scratch feed near you, and avoid chasing them, which can make them wary of you.
One of the best ways we’ve found to raise friendly chickens is simply by spending time near them. I like to sit with our young hens often so they get used to having me around. It shows them I’m not a threat—and many times, I find myself becoming a jungle gym for my pullets to climb on and explore!
#2. Reward Friendly Behavior
When your chickens come up to you, reward them with a little treat or some gentle petting. It’s a great way to encourage their curiosity and make them feel comfortable interacting with you. Over time, they’ll start to see you as a friendly part of their world—and maybe even look forward to hanging out with you.
#3. Respect Their Boundaries
Some chickens love being handled, while others might need a little more time and patience. Pay attention to their body language and avoid forcing interactions—it could make them feel scared or resentful.
Building trust with your chickens isn’t something that happens overnight—it takes time, patience, and a little consistency. When you treat them with kindness, respect their quirky little personalities, and create positive moments together, you’ll not only have happy, confident chickens but also a positive connection that makes raising them more enjoyable.
How to Pick Up a Chicken
Knowing how to pick up a chicken the right way can make the whole experience less stressful—for both you and your chicken. Follow these easy steps:
- Approach the chicken calmly from the side, avoiding any sudden movements.
- Talk to the chicken softly as you get closer.
- Gently place one hand on its back to keep it from flapping or darting away.
- Slide your other hand under its breast area for support.
- Lift it gently, making sure its feet are supported, and its body is close to yours so it feels secure.
- Hold her close to your body to help her feel safe and relaxed.
- Let her rest her feet on your other hand so she feels stable and secure.
Another way to pick up a chicken is by placing your hands on either side of her, keeping her feathers snug against her body. This method works well if it’s your first time handling a hen and you want to keep her calm and prevent any panicked wing-flapping.
Training Chickens to Come When Called
Training your chickens to come when called isn’t just a neat trick—it’s super practical, too. It makes rounding them up at night a breeze and saves you from all that chicken-chasing chaos, helping you keep a calm and happy flock. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a Unique Cue – Use a distinct sound, like a whistle, a bell, or a specific word, and repeat it every time you call your chickens. I like to use the phrase “chick, chick, chick.”
- Use Treats as Motivation – Food is a huge motivator for chickens. Grab a small container of treats, like mealworms, cracked corn, or even grain. Shake the container or sprinkle some on the ground while giving your cue—it’s a simple trick that works like a charm.
- Reinforce Consistently – Practice at the same time every day, preferably in the evening when they’re naturally heading back to the coop. Over time, they’ll associate the cue with food and start coming to you without hesitation.
- Be Patient – Chickens are smart, but training takes time. Stick with the routine, and soon, they’ll respond reliably.
Get our step by step guide on How to Train Chickens so you can teach your entire flock to come when called.
With a little effort, you’ll have a flock that is not only friendly but also easy to manage. Raising chickens is more enjoyable and rewarding when your birds trust you and are eager to interact. By starting early on how to raise friendly chickens, continuing to build trust, and reinforcing positive behaviors, you can create a happy, well-socialized flock for years to come.
