Advice on taming hatchlings

[MoTownChickie]

So I had my first successful hatching of 14 chicks on May 14-16th.

I have them in a large dog crate for brooding.

I have held them a few times but they kinda freak out and run away when I open the cage.

I did have my gosling and duckling in the same bathroom with them, and just moved the two 'big' fuzz butts outside into a pen on Tuesday. I thought perhaps seeing me petting the gosling might make them realize I was safe, but no dice.

Should I just drag the little buggers out and forcibly cuddle with them? How long should I spend with them each night?
I did buy mealworms yesterday, and they will snatch them from my hand but then run around playing keep away; the bribe didn't seem to work.

I really want some pets in the flock. Any advice from you semi-pro chicken wranglers??

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
First, congrats on the successful hatch - not an easy thing to do. Seriously if it were, everyone would do it.

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So, you want a loving pet that will return all the kindness you shower upon it in equal measure? May I suggest a dog?

I know that sounds harsh, but these are birds. They dont react like humans, or mammals, for that matter. At this stage, flight is their primary instinct. It is how they would survive in the wild if threatened and you looming over them is a threat in their eyes.

Some will seem to "bond" with you as they mature, or at least not run in terror at the sight of you. They will climb on you and be inquisitive at your presence if they don't feel threatened...especially if you train them to associate you with food rewards (treats). We often take that as a pet-like "connection".

Some argue, though, that the climbing on you is a DOMINANCE behavior, meaning to say,them dominating you. They will also happily crap on you during any sort of contact, if you allow them to get on you... their toilet habits are atrocious. Neither position is agreeable, IMHO.

It's my experience with birds, however, that it's best if you take what you can get. Some people have an inborn ability to "pet-i-fy" any creature that stands still long enough. They then attribute all sorts of behavior as being that of an appreciative pet. If they're happy, then it's all good, I reckon.

So grab them up, and hold them, and cuddle them and be all sorts of affectionate to them. You wont hurt them and it will make you feel good.

Some will even appear to like you well enough for all of it... while others will continue to scatter as soon as you hove into view. So, you may get a few that respond to you in some fashion. I hope so.

But all in all, I find it's mostly us giving... and them taking.