How I Trained Chickadees to Eat from My Hand
"Come, My Babies!"
If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like a Disney princess (or prince) with tiny birds landing on your hand, let me introduce you to the magical world of chickadee feeding.
It all started with me standing in my yard, awkwardly whispering "Come, my babies!" in hopes these tiny fluffballs would trust me. Fast forward to today, and now I can’t stop saying it—because, well, that’s how they know it’s me!
Want to hand-feed your own feathered friends?
Here’s everything you need to know, plus some fun facts about these fearless little birds!
Step 1: Offer the Right Treats – Sunflower Seeds for the Win!
Chickadees are not picky eaters, but they LOVE black oil sunflower seeds. They are high in fat and perfect for fueling these tiny, high-energy birds. Avoid salted or flavored seeds—chickadees are classy eaters and prefer their snacks all-natural.
👉 Pro Tip: Hold a few seeds in your palm and keep your hand steady. Chickadees are curious and will eventually land on you if they see you as their trusted snack source!
Step 2: Set the Scene – A Bird Feeder as the First Step
Before they trust your hand, they need to trust your yard! A simple bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds will attract chickadees.
Once they recognize your yard as the place with the good snacks, they’ll start to associate you with food.
👉 Try This: Stand near your feeder every day at the same time. Let them get used to you. Eventually, start holding out seeds while standing nearby. Patience is key!
Step 3: Call Your Feathered Friends – "Come, My Babies!"
Here’s where things get funny. When I first started feeding them, I needed a way to get their attention.
Naturally, I went with "Come, my babies!" in my best bird-whisperer voice.
Now, they actually respond to it! So yes, I am that person in the yard summoning birds like a woodland sorcerer. No regrets.
👉 Your Turn: Pick a phrase or a whistle to signal feeding time. Chickadees are smart—they'll learn to recognize your voice!
Step 4: Hand-Feeding – The Magic Moment!
Once they associate you with free snacks and zero threats, they’ll start hopping closer.
Extend your hand, stay perfectly still, and wait. It might take a few tries, but eventually, a tiny chickadee will flutter down, grab a seed, and make your heart explode with happiness.
👉 Patience Tip: If they hesitate, try not making direct eye contact—it makes you seem less like a predator. Blink slowly and be chill.
Fun Facts About Chickadees!
✔ Memory Masters: Chickadees can remember thousands of hiding spots for their food. If only I had that ability for my car keys!
✔ Brave Little Birds: They are one of the few species that don’t migrate and will tough it out in winter, even in freezing temps!
✔ The Name Says It All: Their "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call isn’t just cute—it’s a coded message to warn other birds of danger! The more "dees," the bigger the threat.
Want to learn more about these fearless fluffballs? Check out this awesome resource:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chickadee
🎥 Watch My Chickadee Hand-Feeding Video!
If you’ve ever wanted to connect with nature in the most magical way, I highly recommend trying this!
Chickadees are fearless, funny, and incredibly rewarding to befriend. Plus, who doesn’t want to be the person known for summoning birds with a mystical phrase?
