A little bit afraid of my chicks

[dedicateddourly]

I know, I know, this is ridiculous. My 3 chicks are only 10 days old, yet when they flap around and threaten to peck my hands, I get a little afraid. I'm a city girl who has cats, a dog and a lizard, but I've had an irrational fear of birds since I was a child (dang that Hitchcock movie!). The sound of the flapping wings gives me chills, and I'm afraid those beaks will eventually cause some harm.

However, I love the idea of having pet chickens and having fresh eggs, and I thought that if I got the chicks at a very young age, I'd slowly get over my fear. Well, I got them from a feed store when they were 2 days old, and they've been so adorable and harmless until today. They're just growing so fast that my ability to become accustomed to them can't keep up!

I just wanted to share. I know I just have to handle the little girls a lot. Maybe I'll lie down and have them walk all over me or something

Oh, and a big hello to everyone. This is my first post!

-dd

 

[Jaguaress]

Welcome to BYC

 

[chickerdoodle]

I think laying down and talking to them sweetly and let the walk on you and interacting will help. Most dual purpose chickens can't fly far and they can't bite like a parrot so they can't do much harm. Roosters can be a problem only if they are aggressive as they have spurs though many are friendly. Most of mine are 6 weeks old and like puppy dogs--yours will be too if you handle them a lot.

Oh and

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Awww, no need to be afraid! They're not going to hurt you. Keep interacting with them and handling them, and you should become more and more comfortable with them with time. I've noticed people who aren't around birds much do tend to have some issues with getting used to the flapping wings and beaks and claws. It always baffles me a bit because I'm a total bird nut, but it's understandable because you're simply not used to it. Aside than my rooster when he was in his meanest state, I've never been otherwise harmed by a chicken though in eleven years of handling them--usually several times a day. Chickens are quite harmless and even pleasant to be around. My chickens are all pets, so I handle them a lot. Chickens are pretty cuddly if you ask me. Good luck, I hope you start enjoying their company more soon!

 

[dedicateddourly]

Thanks for the very quick support! I know I'll get over this. I grew up without pets (aside from fish), and for the longest time was afraid of bunnies and kittens! And once, a dachshund chased me until I fell. Thankfully in college, I got my first cat and did a complete 180 as far as pets go. My pets are my babies, and I'm also a dog-walker. I will overcome my fear, eventually

 

[pgpoultry]

Kittens bite and scratch at times, but chicks generally will, at very worst, only peck lightly. Handle them lots, they will go to sleep on you and snuggle up for comfort as well. I think you will soon be over your fear,
Good Luck,
sandie

 

[Jeeper1540]

i'll tell you right now, sometimes they do peck, its just part of being a chicken owner. i just hope you dont get a chicvken like my Fred, who pecks when you are not looking! most of my chickens dont peck, though so dont worry too much. just make sure if you have a scab on your leg and you wear shorts, you put a band-aid on the scab, because chickens go after red, and getting a scab ripped off by your chicken isnt a pleasant way to start the day. i only had those 2, mean Fred who pecks you when you are not looking, and my late Chloe, who loved pecking at your toes. i have a bunch of other chickens who dont peck though

 

[VelvetDragon]

Welcome!

My mom had a severe bird phobia. It was from BEING AROUND birds growing up, not from a lack of contact. She grew up on a production farm with chickens and waterfowl. When she was very small she was chased by geese. When you're small, geese seem pretty big! Flapping wings would send her into a panic. She would even hide under a table and not know how she got there!

Then I convinced her to let me have a cockatiel when I was 13. :> I have no idea how I did that! We just got to see the baby and my mom VERY gingerly touched it, and was so amazed at how soft it was! While I was paying off the cage, we went every day to go play with the baby. If he flapped his wings, she ran out the door, but slowly she got more and more used to him. By the time I brought him home, she was nearly over her fear. And then within a few months, she wasn't scared at all!

Then she got a budgie (parakeet).

Later she got chickens. Which ended up being her favorite pet ever. My mom LOVED chickens!!

Take it slow and pet them a lot. Don't pressure yourself! Pet their fluffy fluffy bodies. When they're old enough, feed them treats from your hand. You'll feel their lil baby beaks but it won't hurt.

Good luck!

 

[wildorchid053]

i believe chicks taste things just like a baby does.. everything goes into the mouth.. i have 22- 5 week old females and brought out my very docile roo.. they were all over him.. jumping up and biting his wattles and comb. they had never seen it before..he just stood ever so quietly taking all their abuse till i rescued him lol. so your hands and other things are fair game as far as they are concerened. they seem to settle down some around 6 weeks so enjoy their games before they start to ignore you . it also helps if you give them treats out of your hands when they get older