Baby chick socialization

[emimiller8]

When and how should I start handling and start to socialize my 3 baby chicks to humans. Any tips on what works best? I really want these chicks to be friendly. I have four hens that are all pretty timid unless there are treats involved but I want the new chicks to be more friendly. The other girls we got as pullets so I am hoping that starting from chicks will help socialize. They are three days old and mainly just sleep so we leave them alone right now. The breeds are a batam frizzle and Mille fleur and a sultan.
Thanks, Emily

 

[foreverlearning]

Start now. If you can try to reach in the brooder from the side instead of the top. If you can't and have to use the top then slowly put your hand in and leave it on the bottom until they come on it. You can also place chick feed or meal worms when they get a little older in your hand to get them to come.

 

[Weber Girls]

I believe it is best to start within a few days of hatching. From what I have learned, you can't harm a chick when handling carefully at a young age, as long as you wash your hands before handling.

You can start by simply cradling them, and having them eat from your hand, they should enjoy this!
Also, I like to sit on a clean surface, fold my legs into a loop, and let the chicks run in that loop.
With multiple people, you can match you feet with each other to make a bigger loop, and let the chicks run in that.

 

[emimiller8]

How often/times peer day should I do this. Thanks

 

[aart]

How often/times peer day should I do this. Thanks

The more often you do it the quicker they will get used to it.

 

[cblakley0531]

We've been socializing ours since we got them. The first three we got were about a week old and the last two we got were about a few days old. I try to socialize them as much as possible, but right now We've only been able to give them about an hour a night when we go check on them to give them clean water and food. I think something is better than nothing. They know mine and my three year old daughter's voice very well and calm right down when we start talking to them. It's fun to hang out with them to see their behaviors