My Chicks Hate Me!!

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KellyGwen

KellyGwen

Songster
11 Years
Apr 28, 2008
482
3
139
Lake Luzerne, NY
Well, maybe hate is a strong word... But when I come in they RUN and hide... They are about 3 weeks old (just over). I sit on a stool in the coop with them every day and if I'm still they are fine, they forget I'm there and peck and act normal... but if I move or offer them a treat... or cough... or even talk they RUN and pile up.

What can I do to make them like me more? I see people with these snuggly babies and I want mine to be like that!!

Is it all about the treats? If so.. what can I give them? I've dug up worms (they were scared of them)... I've brought a little bread in... (they trampled it)...

Any suggestions?
 
I put a bowl of grit and oyster shells in the coop last week... I've seen them pecking at it.. so they should be ok...

Should I get some scratch feed for them? The hatchery said not to feed them anything but the starter feed...

Ok, so I need to get them french fries.. haha.. any other ideas? Come on ppl.. I know you know how to do this, you all have such nice FRIENDLY chickies!!!!
 
I think mine were 5 or 6 weeks old before they accepted that I was going to be around and they might as well get used to it. Now I have a few that seek out my company, but the majority of them just accept me. They still don't like me to stand over them. When they're out in the yard if I sit down with them they climb all over me. A few of them will snuggle down in my lap and make themselves at home. Chickens are chickens and IMO they never learn to trust humans the way a dog or cat would.
You can try picking out a favorite to lavish more attention on and that can be your pet. Talk quietly and move slowly and they learn you're their friend in time. Treats help too. Try millet, cheerios, strawberry tops, crickets, mealworms, or some hard boiled egg. Always offer grit when giving treats.
Kelly, I don't believe in giving scratch in the heat of summer. It gives them too much energy and they move around more when they need to be more sedate.
 
I know it is hard but try to be patient with them. We ALL have been through the exact thing. Mine are now 7 1/2 weeks and they did the same thing at the same age. It has taken me over a month now to get them to come close to me when I am sitting in the pen with them . Just keep talking to them, and talk in a kinda soft tone. I did not try to get them to like me more with treats. I just visited with them every day and slowly they will build the trust up. The last couple of weeks I have been giving them a breakfast of sorts each day in the same dish, and the same routine daily and now they know the drill and they actually waited by the fence for me this morning. I usually give them left over brocoli, carrots and cauliflower with a spoon of yougurt mixed in or some oatmeal or applesauce. It will get better with them just give them time. We all have been there. Trudy
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Mine tended to run from me when they were little too. I would offer their starter food in the palm of my hand. Now at 16 weeks, they come running when they see me. I often take them treats. One of their favorites is English Peas. Several weeks ago, we had an invasion of lovebugs. My run wasn't finished yet, so I would catch lovebugs and hand feed them. They loved them!
 
it is a gradual process. They see each other all day, and you for only part of it. They will learn who you are. I still have one that doesn't "like me." She runs every time, as soon as I pick her up she acts fine. Out of the three in the coop only one will seek me out, and even that isn't all the time.
 
I have had chicks that act the same. some chickens just have flightier personalities. I tempt my little guys with meal worms (small size) bits of deli ham and hot dogs. I only use SMALL amounts of ham and hot dog, they love it so much but it is only a treat. Remember, they really love the one that feeds them. It is all about the food.
 
My chicks are just about 5 weeks old. I was starting to think they would never like me too. Since I have been letting them out in their run, I have offered them corn. (We froze a bunch last year). They love it and now every time I walk over there, at least a few gather around to see what I might have...As they are getting older, they are definitely warming up to me. I just love them. I have to make sure I have my watch on, when I go visit them, or I'll sit there all day!!
 

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