Chick temperament vs. adult temperament

[britlitgal]

My kiddos and I are loving and gentle to our wee brood of seven, but the little things are still skittish when we approach. I read another thread about this and plan to utilize some of the ideas to "tame" them a bit, but I worry about a couple of things: that the skittishness will persist to adult birdhood and also that my kids will then be reluctant to be close to them because of it.

Since this is a family endeavor, I want my kids to be comfortable with our girls even when the girls are fully grown. I see pictures of kids holding hens and want that to be us, too! Any tips or words of wisdom? Will the chickies calm down a bit as they get older? Oh, and I chose breeds that are calm and gentle (Barred Rocks, RIR, Golden Comets/Buff). We handle them carefully every day, approach slowly, and speak softly around them.

 

[BWKatz]

Ur doing great! Continue to pet regularly. Teeach the kids to not just grab them but gently lift whole bodyand then supoort feetto keep from accidental scratching..2 finger and thumbmethod to hold legs. They also get MUCH friendly once they start laying so don't give up too quickly. Just continue to pet and give treats daily. Good luck.

 

[skylarkdancer87]

That relieves me some too because my little americanas are so skiddish. I was hoping they'd get better as they got older!

 

[turkeymom]

You're doing the right thing. A lot of it depends on the bird's individual temperement. Some are just more laid back than others, even among the same breed. Of the 12 chicks I have right now that are 7 weeks old, 1 is super tame and has learned to jump on my arm, and another is very mellow and will perch on my arm if I put her there. They don't like being 'held' because I think this reminds them of being held by a predator. But, try teaching them to accept treats or even just their food from your hand. I like using oatmeal or little bread pieces as a treat. It's helpful if you say something like 'here chickie, chickie' every time you give them a treat so they will learn to come when you start letting them out.

How old are your chicks? They really do get better once they get laying age. I had one hen who always went broody, so I had to lift her out of the nest, and eventually she got to where my 1.5 year old could pick her up whenever he wanted! Not such a good idea. Kids are good chicken-tamers b/c they have a lot of time. Don't be afraid to let your kids handle the chicks as much as they want (as long as they're relatively gentle). The chicks are tough and will be fine. You may not wind up with hens that like being held (most don't), but they should be happy to follow your kids around the yard and accept treats.

 

[colby318]

You didn't say how old your ameraucanas are (spell it right, or other bycers will flail you alive). All chicks go through a spazzy stage. Especially when they start getting their first feathers. They'll settle down around week 6. Especially when they figure out you are the bringer of good things.

 

[Josie]

You didn't say how old your ameraucanas are (spell it right, or other bycers will flail you alive).

and really true!

Our experience is that some flightiness does mellow when the hens start to lay, but the little chicks do have personality that they will carry with them into henhood, regardless of treatment.​