Petting

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Rubyroo1

Rubyroo1

In the Brooder
6 Years
Jul 13, 2013
66
1
43
Where do chicks like to be petted the most? I want to be able to make them relax more.
 
So if they associate me w/treats & food, then they will be somewhat affectionate?
 
Rubyroo1 said:
So if they associate me w/treats & food, then they will be somewhat affectionate?
Click to expand...


They will come running to you as soon as they see you. Get them used to eating out of your hand and that will make a big difference. With that said, DO NOT do any of that with a rooster (cockerel). If you plan to have a rooster in your flock, when his hormones kick in, he needs to fear you or he will dominate you. If no roo, go for it.
 
Rubyroo1 said:
Where do chicks like to be petted the most? I want to be able to make them relax more.
Click to expand...
Chickens in general dont really like to be pet but if you want them to like you than like they said try giving them treats and when they come up to you, put your hand under their belly and pick them up, dont put your hand over them because that scares them, then lift one into you lap and be very relaxed, gently put your hand over her face and you will feel that she is relaxed too and she might even try to put her beak in between your fingers, once they get used to you doing that you can pet them when you are holding them as well, they like to be massaged on their crop, it is quite funny.I agree with nbevento, roosters will try to dominate you when they get older, it doesnt mean that you cant pet them or hold them but if they do try to dominate you when hormones kick in then you have to grab them and pin their body to the ground with your one hand and put the other one over his head untill he calms down, then you can let go and he most likely will know then that you are the boss.
 
I have the same question...I want my chickens to be friendly and enjoy human interaction. I saw that Rubyroo1's chicks were 3 weeks, mine are 3 day-are the tips the same or should I wait until they are a bit older? And I'm not sure if any of mine are roos-I ordered 4 pullets, but the hatchery couldn't guarantee that one of them was a girl so they threw in two extra...but even if one is a roo I'll have to get rid of him because in out town the rule is all girls.
 
THe tips are basically the same, it is even better to start interacting them when they are little!!
Just be prepared if one of them is a roo because it is very hard to give them up!
 
If it's your desire to interact affectionately with your baby chicks, do it! All baby chicks will respond well to being cuddled closely. They love the warmth of being held under your chin, and it's wonderful to hear them respond with their version of puring - a sort of whistling. Older chicks will calm down when a hand is placed gently on their backs, and their head is stroked very gently on the back of the neck. They also love having their tiny cheek stroked. That will usually bliss out any chicken, young and old.

More and more, people are discovering what wonderful, affectionate pets chickens are. Chickens love being petted if they are introduced to it from the very beginning. Older chickens that have never been held and petted won't be trusting at first when a human wants to pet them, but with time, even those usually can be converted into little hug hogs.

It all depends on your own intentions, confidence, and willingness to love these charming little beasts.
 

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