Owning hens that are difficult to catch as a backyard chicken farmer might be difficult.

There are various reasons why you might need to pick up your hens, such as wing trimming if you don't want them to go over the garden fence, providing medication, dusting for mites, checking their weight, or simply holding them. What happens if your chickens aren't nice?

Worst case scenario: your hens are out doing their 'thing' and you need to get them back into the coop. Normally, luring them back into the coop with a pleasant reward is very simple.

But what if you have sneaky, smart hens who know the jig is up and don't want to be caught?

You attempt to entice them inside the coop, but they are apprehensive. They are aware that this is not part of their daily routine.

You throw the snacks into the coop, but they aren't interested. Some rush in, while others stand back and watch what unfolds.

They don't believe you. You stroll into the coop with the snacks to demonstrate your good faith. They gladly follow. You toss the snacks into the coop and dash for the door.

Chickens move quickly. The chickens closest to the door jump out in front of you as soon as you bolt. You scream in frustration, escalating the situation.

What is the solution to this problem? Tame your chickens by making them like and trust you.

Selecting a Friendly Chicken Breed

Consider raising a breed or mix of breeds that have a 'friendly' gene if you intend to make pets out of your hens, or if you simply want a breed that will not shred every last nerve when you need to pick them up.

There are numerous friendly breeds available to assist you in creating a fun-loving flock for your backyard. Different chicken breeds have diverse personalities. Some people are extremely erratic, so you should avoid them. Some people are broody and grumpy, while others are 'happy go clucky'. It will be much easier to train a sociable breed.

You don't have to give up on your wish list of chicken characteristics. Some of the more intelligent types are also personable, making them simple to train to be lap chickens. Others excel at egg laying and meat production.

Let's take a look at six of Know Your Chickens' top choices for the friendliest and easiest-to-train breeds.

1Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rocks are not only one of the most popular dual-purpose chicken breeds, but they also come in 9 colour varieties.

These gentle and readily trained birds lay 280 eggs per year. They are hardy and thrive in captivity or in the wild. They easily top the list of popular and sociable chicken breeds.

2Buff Orpington

The Buff Orpington is another dual-purpose breed that also produces 200 eggs per year.

These low-maintenance, large fluffy birds come in five different color variations and make excellent companions.

3Australorp

They are available in black, blue, or white and make excellent foragers. There is no kinder breed or one better suited to becoming a 'lap chicken'.

4Cochin

If you prefer fluffy and cuddly things, the Cochin is for you. Cochins are among the easiest animals to tame. They are gentle, docile, and make excellent mothers.

They are not the most prolific egg producers, laying only approximately 3 eggs per week. They also do poorly in hot areas.

5Brahma

This breed received its name due of its size (big, like Brahma bulls), not because of its temperament. One of the largest breeds is the Brahman. They have extensively feathered feet and thrive in frigid environments. They produce only about 150 eggs each year, yet they are popular as pets since they are simple to train.

6Bantam Silkie

You can't go wrong with a silkie if you want an adorable fuzzy smaller breed of chicken. They are less than two pounds in weight and come in a range of hues and plumage patterns.

Silkies are more akin to puffballs than feathered birds. These birds require a little more care and protection, but once they are won over, they are peaceful, sweet, docile and love to cuddle.

Taming and Training Your Chickens (and Making Them Like You)

It is not always possible to hatch or purchase chicks and train them from the start. That is by far the most effective method of taming a flock.

If you're starting with baby chicks, Morning Chores has some advice on how to properly socialise them.

1Do Not Over-mother New Chicks

Chicks do not imprint like other birds. They operate on a higher level of hierarchy. Within the first week, you will notice particular chicks rise to the top of the pecking order.

As they will be living together, let them build their flock identity. Only handle them when necessary, but don't be unduly forceful.

2Use Treats to Tame

Choose a pleasant reward for the chicks, such as scrambled egg bits or tiny pieces of fruit or soft vegetables. Hold out your hand and allow them to become used to you reaching into their midst.

They will ultimately learn to take food from your hand and will hop onto your palm to collect the rewards.

3Start Handling

Begin to acquaint the chicks with your touch. With daily repetition, even the most fearful chicks will respond more positively to your handling. Do a lot of caressing after the chicks are a few weeks old.

Place your hand in their vicinity and wait a minute or two before attempting to pick them up. This will make them less afraid and allow them to adjust to the thought of being taken up more rapidly.

● Hold the baby in your hands softly and securely till they are peaceful

● Spread the wings and make contact with the tails

● Pet necks and scratches

● Make contact with your legs and toes

Interesting chick fact:

cupcake liners make excellent chick tutus!

4Maintain Consistency

How much time you spend socialising and taming your chickens will depend on how much interaction you want to have with them. You must be constant, even if it means only a few fast visits every day.

5Include Variety

Even if you don't have goodies, you want your hens to enjoy you. If you don't have food, you want them to feel safe approaching you.

Alter your relationships with your chicks to achieve equilibrium. Feed them snacks on some trips and alternate with holding and petting them.

6Making a Pet

If you want a lap chicken, you'll need to spend more time socializing. Separate the chicks from the flock one by one for interaction. They may be frightened at first, but you'll know you've made an impression when the chick relaxes away from the group and trusts you entirely.

7Utilize Verbal Cues

Chickens communicate using sounds and visual clues. When approaching the chicks, always announce your presence so they can learn the sound of your voice. This also keeps your presence from startling them.

Speak to them in a nice, calm, and soothing tone of voice. They can also detect your emotional state. Move slowly and calmly, and your chicks will respond more positively. They will panic if they make nervous or fast motions.

Getting an Established Crowd to Like You

If you buy a new flock of mature chickens, they will most likely be scared of you. It will take time, patience, and incentives to get them to trust you. Food is the route to a chicken's heart.

Announce your arrival with sounds or words they will ultimately recognize. This will help them not panic if you appear unexpectedly.

Getting an established chicken flock to like you can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to chicken keeping. Chickens are social creatures, and they tend to form strong bonds with each other.

However, with patience and the right approach, you can win the trust and affection of your feathered friends. We will share some tips and tricks to help you get your chicken flock to like you:

1. Spend Time with Them

The first step in getting your chicken flock to like you is to spend time with them. Chickens are curious creatures, and they will be more likely to approach you if they see you spending time around their coop or run.

Spend time observing them, talking to them and even sitting with them in their enclosure. The more time you spend with them, the more comfortable they will become around you.

2. Offer Treats

Chickens love treats, and offering them is an excellent way to win their hearts. Start by offering them small amounts of treats, such as mealworms, scratch or chopped vegetables.

Once they get used to your presence and associate you with treats, they will become more friendly and eager to see you.

3. Use a Soft Tone of Voice

Chickens are sensitive to loud or harsh sounds, and it can scare them. Therefore, when you are around your chicken flock speak in a soft soothing tone of voice.

You can even sing to them, and they will enjoy it. This approach will help them feel more at ease around you.

4. Avoid Making Sudden Movements

Chickens are prey animals and sudden movements can scare them. Therefore, it's important to move slowly and calmly around them.

Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. If you need to move a chicken, do it slowly and gently.

5. Show Them Respect

Chickens are living creatures and they deserve respect. When you are handling them be gentle and avoid grabbing them roughly.

Respect their personal space and avoid crowding them. Remember, they are not toys and they have their own personalities and preferences.

6. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to building a relationship with your chicken flock.

Make sure you are spending time with them regularly, offering treats and using a soft tone of voice. If you are inconsistent, they may become confused or wary of you.

In conclusion, getting an established chicken flock to like you is not an overnight process. It takes time, patience, and effort.

Spend time with them, offer treats, use a soft tone of voice, avoid making sudden movements, show them respect and be consistent.

With these tips, you can win the trust and affection of your feathered friends and build a lasting relationship.