An experiment in chick taming

[Carin]

Keep in mind for a chick anything that comes from the top is seen as a threat - hawk. If at all possible reach from a lower angle. They will be not as skittish. Some breeds are as mentioned more flighty than others

 

[MargaretYakoda]

We're new at this, so I can't tell you if it's luck or method. However, we've got our brooder in our garage, where we everyone has to pass it to get to the back yard or laundry room. Dogs, cats, humans, everyone. My partner built the brooder so that half of one side is wire and the babies can easily see out (and we can see in!) so they're never really isolated. We also have been gently handling them four or five times a day since day three when we got them from the local feed store and post office. AND... I've fed them a few treats (grass bits, a sliced dried cherry, yoghurt, etc.) already, so they're associating the "good stuff" with my voice and hands.

We have 4 buff orpingtons, 4 buff bahamas (2 bantys, 2 regular), 4 australorps, and the white cochin roo. We're on day five of chicken handling and already the roo climbs into my hand and falls asleep, and so does one of the orpingtons. No one runs when we walk by or open the brooder. Success? I hope so!

 

[luv2greys]

Keep in mind for a chick anything that comes from the top is seen as a threat - hawk. If at all possible reach from a lower angle. They will be not as skittish. Some breeds are as mentioned more flighty than others

That makes sense. But with my set up--Large steel horse trough used as a brooder-there isn't a way for me to do anything but come from above. Doing my best to be as non threatening as possible

I can see now that what I thought about this set up being great as far as being able to handle the amount of chicks for them to have lots of room has it's disadvantages--can't see out the sides and I am not able to reach in at their level. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Angiebubs]

With my setup-I have to reach from top down (Using a small rubber water trough) I reach in from the side then get my hand down at their height and scoop them up.

 

[Getrdone]

hey sarah.....my chics do the same thing. i have 3 barred rock,2 americaunas and 2 rir pullets all 3-5 weeks old. they run to the opposite side of the brooder when i try to feed n water them. i try to handle them as much as i can but they havnt calmed down yet.

 

[SarahInAlaska]

I'm glad to hear its not just me!

 

[Getrdone]

i am reaching from above this might be my problem. gonna try to make some doors on front of the brooder. i never thought about the chics thinkin i am a predator coming in from above!

 

[QuirkySue]

I must be doing something wrong. My oldest laying hens are great. A few of them are quite friendly and gentle and the Astralorps will jump up for attention. My first batch of hatched chicks (now almost 2 months old?) are very skitterish and only the little EE is friendly and sweet enough to sit on my lap and let me pet her. 7 of them are buff orps, so I expected them to be really sweet. I can pick up a few of them, but they take a while to settle and almost ALL of them peck so hard when I'm giving treats that I'm afraid they'll draw blood. My newest chicks, hatched easter, will come to my hands when I have food but freak right out when I try to pick them up. Sigh. Many of them will end up as dinner, but the sweetest, most friendly birds will have a place in my flock forever. Why don't they know that? lol


Keltara your blog is amazing and your photos are stunning.

 

[PrairieChickens]

I must be doing something wrong. My oldest laying hens are great. A few of them are quite friendly and gentle and the Astralorps will jump up for attention. My first batch of hatched chicks (now almost 2 months old?) are very skitterish and only the little EE is friendly and sweet enough to sit on my lap and let me pet her. 7 of them are buff orps, so I expected them to be really sweet. I can pick up a few of them, but they take a while to settle and almost ALL of them peck so hard when I'm giving treats that I'm afraid they'll draw blood. My newest chicks, hatched easter, will come to my hands when I have food but freak right out when I try to pick them up. Sigh. Many of them will end up as dinner, but the sweetest, most friendly birds will have a place in my flock forever. Why don't they know that? lol


Keltara your blog is amazing and your photos are stunning.

Some of my friendliest hens were terrified of me as chicks. One day when they were pullets, they just suddenly decided they weren't scared of me anymore and magically became my best friend. I can't explain it, but I'm glad it happened! Other hens I've had to convince to be my buddy, usually through bribery. There are still a few I haven't been able to convince yet, though. Creampuff and Buck Buck Bjork seem certain that I intend to gobble them up at any moment.

 

[Paxo]

Just a quick story - one of my first ever chickens (raised from 1 week old) would travel with me in the car every week to visit children in schools. Her name was Paxo and she would just sit on her perch whilst I did my lesson and would let anyone pet her. She was a Rhode Island Red - like the 6 chicks I currently have.