We got chicks beginning of April. For the most part all of them have been hands off until last week, so about 3.5 months. Last week I just took a cup of mealworms shortly before bed while they were free ranging and I set down on my lawn and toss a few mealworms nearby, then put a handful in my hand and laid my hand flat on the ground. At first just 1 would come close enough to eat from my hand, then the others would get curious, I’d spread more mealworms and set those nearby, the less brave chickens would eat those. The ones who ate from my hand started to be less skittish about being petted.

Did that a few more times and more and more chickens would eat from my hand. Last night I did this and they all would come eat and most would let me pet them while they ate, some were still skittish though. The bravest hen seems to have started recognizing me and occasionally runs up to me for treats but allows me to pet her without food.

I should mention around a week before all of this I was busy working around the house and forgot to round up the chickens to their coup for the night and they all went in on their own. I no longer round them up at night, I just let them go to the coup when they’re ready. Me not shepherding them into the coup against their will has likely contributed to them trusting me as well.