Am I doing a dumb thing, feeding chicks by hand?

[Solsken Farm]

I can completely see your points. I think for us, having them be a part of our children's lives is essential. I don't have to worry about laying at this time as they are only 6 weeks. Part of the reason we are doing this is for our children's experience. So not handling them just is not an option for us, but feeding by hand was the question.

I am trying to balance total isolation versus some interaction. Of course this is definitely a "to each his own" type of topic.

Thanks for getting this back on topic. I am really interested in everyone's thoughts.

 

[LynneP]

I was advised by two professional poultrymen not to feed by hand. Now that my girls are at 6.5 weeks and the pecks are from sharp hard beaks, I see why! Their reasoning is to use your hands for picking them up, gentling them and treating them if sick/injured. I also discovered on my own with the brooder that dripping water from the fingers will initiate soft drinking habits and they see fingers are friendly things. I don't mean that I haven't been pecked, but my hands are safe from agression. If I offer food, it is in a container, usually something colored red or orange, my signal to them.

I think it breaks the pecking urge when your hands are lowered to them.

Here they are at 6.5 weeks, 5 Golden Comets and 5 production reds-

 

[Solsken Farm]

Quote:
Cute pics. Yes, this is what I was thinking.....

 

[Grindlefamily]

You could use a small container (or 3) for the kids to feed out of. The chickens will get used to coming to you and getting close, but the pecks don't hurt so much. I have one little RIR that will pick at our hands through the wire if we are feeding them treats. LOL she's a fiesty little thing.

Horsegirl - any ideas on what you ended up with? I am pretty sure my little white one is a girl, but still undecided on the two BR looking chicks - they are looking very roo like to me (but I am in denial).

Louella

 

[Solsken Farm]

Hay Louella. All pullets.

JK

The white one is a roo. He is really sweet. Here's my thread about him.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=67143

The EE is a roo, no surprise.

I think one more might be a roo.

The two my son fell on were def pullets. I think I have 2 more pullets.

So the breakdown would have been 4 pullets, 3 roos. They are all sweet.

When I get back from vacation I will send you some pics. We are up to 16 chickies and I just bought a hovabator and eggs will be shipped after vaca. I'm nuts.

What's up in your coop of the woods?