Advice on Handling the girls

I am by no means an expert but I only have one out of six girls that doesn't like being picked up, the others have got used to it over a period of time.  I think the secret is perseverance and patience, I tended to sit with my hand close to them with some treats in it, this progressed to the odd stroke (they usually tuck their bottoms in and run off at first), we are now able to get in with them and walk amongst them, they stand still for us to check their bottoms and if needs be we can pick them up quite easily. 

Daisy and Lily were absolutely terrified of us when we got them nd would run blindly into the wire mesh if we approached them but now Lily sits on hubbies feet when he goes into the run and we had to bath Daisy the other night and she sat as good as gold and let us blow dry her as well.  I think it really is a case of just building up their trust in you and I think lots of treats helps, they seem to be very led by their stomachs.

Rosie has just recovered from bumblefoot and the treatment meant me having to remove the scab and poison from her foot and hold her while she stood with her foot in an iodine bath for 10 minutes each day and then bandage her foot with vetwrap, this we were able to do quite easily. 

Up until June 6th I have never touched a live chicken let alonge picked one up, it will come just persevere.

How old are they, francais?

Hi francais.

As jackieb said, they will calm down and get braver.

If every time you go in, you take a small handful of corn and scatter it as you walk through, they'll soon associate you with food and coem to you expecting some.
As they get used to you, you can try bending down and throwing some to get them used to the action. When they come close to laying, they'll start to squat down as you approach. This is a good chance to pick up and practice holding.
DOn't overdo the treats though or they'll get fat and not eat their pellets but now and then it's ok.

Rob

Will try both of those ideas. Thanks guys!!!!