3 week old chicks don't like me, should I start over?

[Brahmamama4]

Hey everybody, this is my first post here so bear with me.

I bought 4 Brahma Chicks that were a week and a half old at the time, and they just haven't warmed up to me at all. They hate it when I try to pick them up and will run away from me. I'm patient, I've tried treats and have spent a lot of time with them just letting them eat out of my hand, but as soon as I try to pick any of them up they run and sceam

Do you think it would be better if I had bought day old chicks instead of the older ones? I'm afraid that they will only get more timid as time goes on. Is this true? I would love some advice from all of you wonderful experienced chicken owners.

 

[debilorrah]

Even if they were one day old, by the time they are three weeks old, they get flightly and run in all directions. It is The Big Scary Hand reaching in at them like a predator. As they get older, they will associate you with food and treats and not run so much. At this age, it is instinct. Notice and when you catch one and hold it, it calms down.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Some chicks are friendly and some are not. It varies even within the same breed.

Chicks also go through a skittish period early in life. Once your girls start laying they will warm up to you more.

3 weeks is too early to tell.

If you do decide to get other chicks then try Speckled Sussex or Buff Orpingtons.

 

[amyquilt]

Hold them, hold them, hold them. I know they will scream and run while you catch them, but as the other poster said, once you have it in your arms, it will calm and do this as much as possible with each one and they will come to love you.

 

[Wiglwerm]

Don't worry that's totally normal. Baby chicks seems to go through stages. When I first get my day old the are fine at first (maybe in shock, hee hee) then they settle in and I become the "evil hand". As they get older they seem to be friendlier and then all the sudden when they become independant and are hanging with their buddies outside, I am no longer popular...unless I have treats.

 

[abanjaf]

Absolutely agree! I've hatched and handled my own babies and still had them behave the same way. In time, they will come to regard you as "The Bringer of Good Things to Eat". Mine now follow me around the yard and in some cases are underfoot while trying to do yardwork. Give them time, they'll warm up.

 

[Morgan7782]

Mine are doing that same thing right now! I have three chicks, all of which have been handled since day 1. They would jump on my arm and explore, but now they hit 2 1/2 weeks old, and they are going through a 'shy stage'. If you can I would wait it out. I also don't know much about your breed. I researched BR and EE's and everything I read emphasises (not spelled right) that they are friendly and personable. Of course there are variables, but I think they will get used to you. I have read a few places that 3-4 weeks are a shy time for chicks.

 

[leenie]

Our hand held babies only became interested in being held once they started the pre-egg squat (17-19weeks). Period.

We enjoyed them tons but thought, hey whats all this about chicks loving to be loved.

Good news is now the do love me and follow me everywhere.

 

[Brahmamama4]

Thanks for all the input. I think I might go ahead and stick it out and see what happens. Glad to hear there are lots of others who have gone through the same thing. I was starting to question what I'd heard about the "sweet natured, quiet, and easy to handle" Brahmas.

 

[HarryBun12]

Just want to say, be patient. I picked up two hens last year that were 5 months old and had never been handled. Within a week they'd come up to me for treats and now 6 months later they are the friendliest birds and love to sit in my lap. Just like children, they go through stages. I'm sure in time your chickies will learn to trust you, too.