Chicks are still skittish at 5 weeks old

[907chicken]

I thought the chicks were starting to get used to people and be pretty friendly but lately they are acting very skittish. They will bound over to check a hand out to see if there is a treat but if no treat, they go running back. Ive been letting them hang out in the yard, and 3 of the six I can catch pretty easily but the others really make me run circles. The one roo is a nightmare to catch. he acts like Im the devil. Today he led me across a half acre and about into the street. And one of my sweetest hens today was acting terrified of me too. But I think maybe that roo was stirring the situation for her when he was acting crazy.

Ill probably have to make them a pen soon.

But I had really hoped to be able to just let them run around then be able to call them back when it was time for them to be put away. One area where I messed up I think was letting the neighbor kids mess with them. The last two days the kids have been obsessed with them and not being very gentle. When those kids came over today I told them they could not hold them or pet them. I hated to do that but despite my repeated admonishments about not batting, lunging or grabbing my instructions have fallen on deaf ears. Hopefully the chickens will soon forget the traumatic experience and will once again trust human hands.

 

[Tala]

In my experience, every animal goes though that "want to be independent" teenage stage. All of my chickens have "suddenly" become friendly about a month after they started laying. Maybe their mothering instincts kicked in, who knows? I just know that even my most shy pullets from last fall's chicks are now pecking me curiously!!
I have some really wild BCM chicks in the yard now. They refuse to even sleep in any kind of coop! I fully expect them to "come around" later just like all the others have.

Don't give up yet!!!

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
I agree with what Tala said, Keep your hopes up and keep working on it!

 

[DAFox]

I do my best not to chase chickens. I become a predator to them then and it takes time for them to trust again.
Food is a great motivator. Don't feed them until you want them to go in for the night. I, also, use food to tame my birds. Whoever wants to eat, has to let me pet them.
Good luck and keep the kids away.
Dale-Ann

 

[bakerjw]

t 5 weeks or so our girls are still skittish. Much friendlier than they were but they still fear the hand. I'll put one hand in their pen near where they are huddled and use the other to corral them past and over it. They are seeing to figure out that "yeah, it's a hand. It doesn't hurt us."

Oh these chicks and their phases.

 

[happychickengirls]

My chicks have also hit the 5 week age and I have been noticing the same thing. I have five of them and my two children and I handle and play with them every day. I was thinking the same thing too! Out of 5 of them they are all skittish lately and just want food or want to peck ya! The only one that is still very freindly is my chick who is a Buff Orphington- Buttercup. She is a sweetheart!!! She comes right up to you when I call her and is such a love! I have noticed to that they are ripping all the paper in the bottom of their cage everyday.
Honestly I think they are just getting bored being in their brooder and they have been in for a few days since its been rainy and pretty cold this week. I have been taking them out when its warm and letting them run around in a pen I put outside for them. I guess I cant blame them. Hopefully they will be a little more nicer in a little bit. Hang in there!!!!