[thechicken]

W have recently purchased 2 barred wynadotte bantams and want them to get used to being picked up and not afraid. Currently we are lucky to get near them but they are getting better provided there are treats around.

The girls are 13 weeks old - can anybody suggest a strategy?

Thanks

Della

[compostqueen]

Mealworms!  You can buy tubs of dry ones cheaply from Wilko etc.  This is just to get them to come closer to you and are only treats, so don't go overboard with them.  Chuck a few at the birds and they should gobble them up readily and then if you keep one between your fingers they should come to you to take it. If you keep doing this each day they should get used to you and taking food from you.

Your birds are much more docile at bed time and are far more likely to allow you to pick them up.  If you get them just as they turn in for the night you can pick them up then.  If your coop has an overhead hatch it allows you to reach in and do so

Don't get into the futile - and scary for the birds - chasing scenario. Keep things nice and calm. They will take time to get used to you, which is only natural. Handle them gently and carefully and you should become pals 

Bantams are a bit flightier than standards birds so can run faster 

[8doubles]

Make a perch at waist height or find a suitable bit of garden furniture, get the chooks to flap up onto the perch to get treats from the hand .
Makes it easy to get hold of them and they get the treats after any inspecting that needs doing.

A rattle of the treat tin (maize) and they will line up for you !

[thechicken]

Many thanks for all your help - will let you know how we get on!