Hi,
chasing them round wont help,it will re-inforce in their minds that you can't be trusted.Personally,to encourage them to eat from your hand,try a really special treat like cherry toms or grapes.
Stick to a routine,this will make a big difference as well,their pellets am,corn late afternoon,and chose a time that you can give them treats like grapes and cherry toms daily.
On a nice day,just sit in your garden with a mug of tea or coffee and a newspaper,they will come up to you of their own accord.You need to build trust with them.
Not all chickens do like to be cuddled,not all of mine do,some prefer to perch on me and chat.
With regards the picking up,a better time to handle them would be when they are calm,and resting/perching,then pick them up.Maybe when they are snuggling in their nest box or on their perches.You can pick them up,hold them firmly but gently.
If I want any of mine for anything,I pick them up either first thing,whilst they are in their nest box,or,when they've gone to bed,when mine are also in their nest box.I just lift the nest box lid and pick up who I want.
Mine all love squishing into their nest boxes to sleep,even my cockerels
.It's their home,so I don't mind where they sleep.
