Chick is starting to HATE being held, should I stop?

[rhuxol]

We have 3 chicks, A Barred Rock, an Easter Egger, and a "mutt". They are 2 weeks old. I hold them all a couple times a day in hopes to make them into friendly pets. Well, the Easter Egger, Petunia, has gotton more and more against being held. She flys around the brooder, acting all crazy when I even stick my hand in there. Tonight when I finally caught you would have thought I was tring to kill her she put up such a fight. Are some chicks just anti-snugglers? Should I stop because it's tramatizing her more than helping her? Maybe give her some time? Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[kemclaughlin]

I would just hold her less and get her used to having you reach into the brooder. Also, once you start dropping treats in there for her, she might like you more.

 

[noodleroo]

You might try just laying your hand in the brooder and letting her get used to it being in there without trying to pick her up. I'm not a big fan of feeding them out of my hands when they are little, but you could put a black dot in the middle of your palm with a pen. They will be curious thinking it is food and come over to investigate. Leave your hand down and gently move your fingers to pet their little tummy...really slowly and gently. Let her get used to your hand being in there and not intimidating her before you try to pick her up again. You can also go to my BYC page for more taming advice.

 

[Celtic Chick]

I agree with noodleroo.
My chicks were so wild when I got them, running in terror every time I put my hand in the brooder. But as time went on, they became more used to me and now they jump out of the brooder & onto my lap, in less than 2 weeks. Patience is the key. They will calm down.

 

[purelypoultry]

Personalities differ on chickens just like humans. I wouldn't stop handling the chick. It's instinct and personality combined that is making her flighty. You can, also, give a little bit of their food out of your hand, if you don't want to overdo the treats.

 

[flying_babyb]

I had one of these "terrified" chickens. Now shes the first one at the front of the brooder waiting to jump on my arm for a ride. mine ran from me too but I never gave up and once they relized they would get put back down they were fine.