Chicks afraid?

[aaroncoolio]

So I covered the top of the standard food holder with aluminum foil, since I don't have the bottle for it and they tend to step on top of it and poop in the food. I put the feeder back in and all of the chicks backed off into the opposite corner! After I took this off they instantly ran to the food and started to eat.. Just curious is this normal behavior??

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi there, chickens are cautious by nature, after all, in the wild they are 'prey'. They don't care for change in their routines either! Try something non-reflective, say a piece of cardboard and see how that goes. They will get used to it eventually,

 

[aaroncoolio]

I just added bedding in and boy, are they scared! I used paper towels for a while but it got to expensive to use em.

 

[boskelli1571]

How old are they? Once they are at least 10 days, try sitting quietly by the brooder with your hand resting on the floor. Put some mealworms/feed in your hand and just sit there talking quietly to them. Do this several days in a row so they get used to you. If they start walking over your hand, stay still and let them get used to the feeling. As they get more comfortable you can move your hand around slowly. Slow movements, gentle voice are the key. - and of course - patience!