As long as you have rice in your hand, the chickens will flock around you.

If you scatter the rice, the chickens will only chase after the rice.
Even if you're holding fake rice, as long as the chickens think there's rice to be gained, they will still come running toward you without hesitation.
But if you try to harm them physically, the chickens will naturally become wary and cautious of you.
However, when you have so much rice that you can control it at will—whether to steam or to cook—everything is up to you.
But you must remember: