Babies afraid of hands?

[Syrain]

Hi everyone,

My babies were two days old when I bought them, and they're now just a little over a week old. They are terrified of hands! It's a very strange situation, though--they aren't afraid to eat out of my hand and they don't actually mind being held when I do get hold of them. I just don't get it.

Any ideas?

 

[RonC]

Sounds pretty normal. Chickens are prey animals and it's normal for them to be afraid. Move slowly and don't reach down from above if at all possible. To them your hand is a hawk swooping down on them. Continue feeding them out of your hand and holding them. Some will calm down more than others as they develop their own personalities. Patience.