Chicken seem scared of me

[Caroline's Ladies]

So my chicks were born April 10th or so. We moved them out to the coop from a dog crate in the basement last weekend. They were all pretty friendly except two would freak out when I tried to hold them. Now that they have more room, it seems like only two of them like when I hold them and they seek me out. What did I do wrong? The other squawk when I pick them up and most try to get away. The coop is a small horse stall.

 

[member 373180]

I think this is pretty normal for chicks that age. I suggest you introduce them to some chicken candy (mealworms, strawberries, tomatoes etc). One they've decided that they love these things, start sitting very still while holding a handful of candy. They'll be eating out of your hand and crawling all over you in no time.
Even my friendliest chickens have to be chased down to be picked up, they don't like it. It's easiest to wait until they're roosting.

 

[EmilySmith2525]

Some chickens might just not like being picked up. I would try seeing if you can hand feed them a bit and maybe start to stroke them when they get close get them use to you again?

 

[Caroline's Ladies]

They will all eat out of my hand but when I try to pick them up except for two of them they are like “Run for your lives!!!!”

 

[member 373180]

Once they start laying they will squat for you and let you pick them up then. Most chickens I've met are not snugglers, and will run if you try to pick them up. Though I've had a few who are happy to climb up into your lap.

 

[Caroline's Ladies]

Once they start laying they will squat for you and let you pick them up then. Most chickens I've met are not snugglers, and will run if you try to pick them up. Though I've had a few who are happy to climb up into your lap.

Thank you for the information!! I thought I had done something wrong.

 

[CannedMonster]

Mine are 9 weeks old and only my bantams and cockerels tolerate being picked up but they still act like they aren’t happy about it.
My Silkie is the best but she’d rather be on the ground foraging.
I can pick up two of my Turken cockerels but not the pullets, they act terrified of me.
One of my boys, Angus, loves to jump on my lap when I’m sitting down.
But he doesn’t want me to touch him lol.
If I try to touch him he’ll jump down.
They can be very different even though they’ve been raised the same.

 

[ButteCA]

I’ve never had a chicken that let me hold them. They only like me when I have food. My friendliest chicken sleeps on my pig and hops on my porch sometimes.When it thinks I have food.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

So my chicks were born April 10th or so. We moved them out to the coop from a dog crate in the basement last weekend. They were all pretty friendly except two would freak out when I tried to hold them. Now that they have more room, it seems like only two of them like when I hold them and they seek me out. What did I do wrong? The other squawk when I pick them up and most try to get away. The coop is a small horse stall.

Awww sweetie, you've done nothing wrong! Chicks seem to go through this "omg you are a giant coming to get me!" stage, once they can see you fully, from ground level. Remember, in the brooder, they never saw you from this perspective. It's new and can be scary. When they get older, they will calm down a LOT. As others have said, sit with them in their run, offer treats. One thing I do is, when I bring them food in the morning, I sit with them and stroke their backs while they eat. I do this again in the evening. Also, through the wire fence, I offer treats throughout the day. It takes time but your babies will bond to you if you keep loving on them!

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

Mine are 9 weeks old and only my bantams and cockerels tolerate being picked up but they still act like they aren’t happy about it.
My Silkie is the best but she’d rather be on the ground foraging.
I can pick up two of my Turken cockerels but not the pullets, they act terrified of me.
One of my boys, Angus, loves to jump on my lap when I’m sitting down.
But he doesn’t want me to touch him lol.
If I try to touch him he’ll jump down.
They can be very different even though they’ve been raised the same.

The roos are always braver and more inquisitive!