Best way to tame/handle them?

[Eggcellent Adventure]

We have 2 and 3 week olds chicks. Plan to have them as "pets" and wondering if anyone knows the best tricks for getting them nice and tame. Is it better to pet them, pick them up, give them treats out of your hands, all of the above etc. And how often to make them really lap pets? Our red stars we've had from day 1 and settle in pretty quickly after we pick them up, the jersey giants are new to us and about 3 weeks old. I'm trying not to over handle them, but also don't want to under handle them.

We adore them and want to make them as tame as possible, understanding that they all go through the "flighty" stage.

Any tips appreciated. I'll also check out older posts.

 

[noodleroo]

I have lots of taming info on my BYC page. Most of mine are pets, too...

 

[ChickenCrazy4ever]

Putting food in your hands tempts the chicks to sit in your hand instead of eating out of it. I don't know why but that's how it is with our chicks.

Avoid moving quickly or suddenly unless you intend to scare them.

I'm actually going through my first batch of chicks now and they seem to like sitting on my arm if I leave my hand in the brooder long enough. If they peck you it's probably because they think they saw some sort of mark which they think is food on you.

I usually pet them a little and move on to another chick to avoid petting the chick so much that it annoys them.