Chick temperament

This is kind of a moot point, as we've already chosen and brought home our chicks, but is there a way to choose a chick with a good temperament from a group? I just picked the ones that seemed the most awake and active, were eating and moving around a lot, as I was nervous about getting a sick one that may not make it, but I'm wondering - in one case, anyway - if I chose ones that were too feisty!

Additionally, is it possible to discourage a "pecky" chick? We have one who has actually hurt a couple of the kids because she'll bite any freckle she sees thinking it's food! She's just a few days old but none of our other chicks did this. She's happy to be held otherwise most of the time.

You can't judge a chicks personality until it gets older. Feisty chicks are often roosters. Chickens peck to figure out what things are and if they are edible, I don't over handle mine, and I don't tame them because they will peck you, climb on you and generally be a nuisance. Mine are friendly as adults but don't get that personal. So stop handling them so much or put up with the pecking, also watch your eyes, they will peck those too.

Humm I personally like friendly chickens. My adult hens are friendly but could even be more friendly. My chick's are super sweet and if a adult is handling them you will find the pecks are just out of curiosity and don't hurt.. at least my ten girls dont. If you want a cuddle chicken id wait until the chicks are older before kids handle them because kids can accidentally hurt them causing fear in the chick. But if your looking for cuddlers then you handle them. Mine are 9 days old and will fly to my lap and cuddle and sleep. I feel really blessed with these chicks. I have 1 laced wyannadotte, 1 Silver Penciled Penciled Rock, 1 Golden Buff and 7 Barred Rocks all female (I hope!) I've never had a more friendly batch of chicks! Although the Silver Penciled Rock and two Barred Rocks are still quite shy. The other 7 wait for me to sit down, I pat my leg and they fly to my lap. It's been such fun because I've never had chicks do that before. I think with these 7 I've imprinted on them and they think I'm mom. I've never had chicks imprint before and I think it's wonderful. I love the affectionate way they act. Everyone is different and some don't like that, but I do. I would keep working with them and they will develop a bond that lasts into adulthood. Offer treats ( with grit for digestion ) teach them not to be fearful of your hand. Pet them get them to relax with you and I'm sure they will bring great joy to you and your kids. Hope this helps. It's up to you and what kind of birds you want . Usually after point of lay they get a lot friendlier even if they were shy chicks and breed comes into play too.

Yes I would prefer mine be friendly. We enjoy hanging out with them and they seem to like being held so far. The almost 3 week olds come running when I put my hand in the brooder. I think they are getting bored and know that it means they're getting a field trip! I am trying to be mindful that the kids don't hurt/scare them. My 8 year old is wonderful with them, the 5 year old is mostly so and my 2 year old only handles them with major supervision (sitting down and we place the chicks in her lap). I would love if they continue to interact with us as they move outdoors

We have a BO, a RIR, a black Australorp and a barred rock - chose breeds that hopefully will be friendly!

So cool that your chicks are so comfortable and happy! Ours are mostly so and I agree, the pecks don't hurt. However I saw the one peck my daughter and she actually grabbed the skin and pulled, and it was red afterwards. I haven't seen any of the others do it!