How To Raise Friendly Chickens

Chickens get a reputation for being skittish, but in reality, they’re perfectly capable of being sociable, confident, and even quite cuddly – if you raise them with a bit of care. Some will happily follow you round the garden, jump on your lap, or peck at your laces while you work. Others take a little more convincing.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the things I’ve found most useful when it comes to raising hens that are genuinely friendly. No tricks, no overthinking – just consistent, everyday habits that build trust.

Some breeds are just friendlier than others

It’s true. You can do everything right, but some chickens are naturally more laid back than others. If friendliness is a priority, it helps to start with a breed that’s known for it.

Orpingtons, for example, are big gentle birds that are easy to handle. Sussex hens are another great all-rounder – confident but not flighty. Pekins can be charming little characters, especially if you want something child-friendly. And most hybrids, especially those bred for small-scale keepers, are generally calm by design.

That said, temperament still varies from bird to bird. I’ve had some absolute sweethearts from supposedly “independent” breeds, and the odd grump from ones that are meant to be docile. Breed helps, but it’s only part of the picture.

Looking for the right chickens? Read our post What are the Chickens to Keep at Home.

If you’re starting with chicks, you’re off to a good start

Chicks are far easier to socialise than adult hens. If you’re raising your own from day one, you’ve got the perfect window to build trust.

Start by just resting your hand in the brooder so they get used to it being there. No sudden movements, no picking up – just letting them investigate in their own time. Once they seem comfortable, you can start gently scooping them up for short holds.

The more calm handling they get early on, the more confident they’ll be around people later. You don’t need to overdo it – just a few minutes a day makes a big difference.

With older hens, go slow and steady

If your birds are already a few months old (or older), it just takes a little more time. The principles are the same: spend time nearby, let them come to you, and don’t rush the process.

I’ve had a couple of hens who wouldn’t come near me for the first fortnight. I just sat in the run with them each day, scattered a bit of feed, and talked to them quietly. After a while, they got used to me. That’s really the key – consistency and patience.

Be part of their daily routine

The more time your chickens see you, the more they’ll learn you’re not a threat. That doesn’t mean you need to sit with them for hours – just make a habit of doing things in a calm, predictable way.

Top up their feed, change their water, rake out the run – whatever the task, do it slowly, talk to them as you go, and don’t loom over them. Chickens pick up on your energy. If you’re calm, they tend to be too.

I usually give a little call-out before I enter the run or coop. Might sound silly, but it avoids surprising them, and they get to know your voice as part of their rhythm.

Treats are a great trust builder – just don’t overdo it

If there’s one easy way to win chickens over, it’s with the occasional treat. Start by scattering a small amount near where you’re sitting. Once they’re confident enough to eat nearby, you can offer it from your palm.

Personally, I find this works best when done at the same time each day. Chickens love a routine, and they’ll quickly associate you with something positive. Just make sure it stays occasional – you want them interested in you, not just the food.

Don’t chase them – ever

It sounds obvious, but if you want chickens to trust you, never chase or grab them unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to pick one up, for a health check, for example, do it slowly and calmly, ideally when they’re already near you.

I tend to approach from the side, not from above, and hold them firmly but gently. After that, I give them space to settle. It’s not about being hands-off, it’s about making sure they don’t associate you with stress.

Keep their space stress-free

Friendly chickens are usually calm chickens, and that starts with the environment. Make sure they’ve got enough space, fresh air, shade and things to do. Overcrowding, bullying or poor coop conditions can all lead to nervous behaviour.

If you’ve got one hen dominating the others, or constant noise and disruption in the run, don’t be surprised if the flock becomes more skittish.

Give them things to explore

Chickens are naturally curious, and enrichment helps boost their confidence. Things like dust baths, perches, hanging veg or safe logs to hop on all help keep them engaged.

I often hang a cabbage on a bit of string or toss in a scattering of leaves and soil. It might not seem like much, but it gives them something to do and builds natural foraging behaviours – which helps with confidence all round.

Every chicken is different – and that’s fine

Not every hen is going to be a lap chicken, and that’s perfectly okay. Some will run over to greet you, others will just hang back and observe. The aim isn’t to turn them into dogs, it’s to build a flock that feels safe, relaxed, and happy in your presence.

In my experience, even the shy ones usually soften over time. You just need to let them set the pace.

Final thoughts

If you want friendly chickens, it’s really just about showing up every day in the same calm way. Be predictable, be patient, and take the time to let them get to know you. It’s not instant – but when your hens come running over to see you, it’s absolutely worth it.

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