Baby Brahma not friendly…. Did I get a bad chick?

[Browniethechicken]

Granted we are only on day 2 with our brand new baby chicks. I got light brahmas and spotted Sussex. Heard the brahmas are so kind and loving. They are running away from me and don’t like to be held. They are eating well and active. Seem scared. I am being super gentle and kind. Am I doing something wrong or is it just too early! Anyone know why these chicks are timid.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

They will very likely warm up to you. Do you reach down from above, or place your hand in at their level and move toward them from their side when you go to pick one up?

Try just sitting with your hand full of feed in the brooder.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

I should elaborate. A bird of prey is the biggest fear a chick has.
Reaching in from directly above them triggers that instinct to escape.
Coming in slow and from below, like a scoop, is less scary.

 

[nuthatched]

Every bird is an individual, it's natural for them to fear, it keeps them alive.
Few chickens will be friendly from birth to full size so the others might change to stand offish as they grow up. They usually mellow out after they start laying.

 

[Browniethechicken]

They will very likely warm up to you. Do you reach down from above, or place your hand in at their level and move toward them from their side when you go to pick one up?

Try just sitting with your hand full of feed in the brooder.

Good idea! I think I’m looming from above. That’s scary! I’ll switch it up. I’ve also been taking them out and having them out and sitting with me on the floor. I just hope I didn’t scare them for life!

 

[Browniethechicken]

Every bird is an individual, it's natural for them to fear, it keeps them alive.
Few chickens will be friendly from birth to full size so the others might change to stand offish as they grow up. They usually mellow out after they start laying.

Thank you! Good!

 

[Browniethechicken]

I should elaborate. A bird of prey is the biggest fear a chick has.
Reaching in from directly above them triggers that instinct to escape.
Coming in slow and from below, like a scoop, is le

Makes sense! Thank you

 

[artbykarenehaley]

My kids and I like to set up a playpen or a kiddie pool and just sit still and observe, with the food and water as close enough to one of us for the chicks comfort. If they are fearful, we sit far away from the food at first. Then we sit closer to the food source as they get warmed up to us, and always have some crumbles on our laps.

 

[Browniethechicken]

My kids and I like to set up a playpen or a kiddie pool and just sit still and observe, with the food and water as close enough to one of us for the chicks comfort. If they are fearful, we sit far away from the food at first. Then we sit closer to the food source as they get warmed up to us, and always have some crumbles on our laps.

Good advice

 

[BeetaLiK]

It probably will warm up to you, but it may not. Just give it space and feed it treats and talk to her to let it know that you're not a threat. We have some chickens that we raised from chicks and they weren't supposed to be pet friendly, but much time was spent with them and not they won't leave you alone wen you go out to feed them or gather eggs