Chicks pecking at my hands when i feed them

[pixieschickens]

Hi! I just wanted to know if it’s normal that my 4 week old chicks peck at my hands when i hand feed them? And also if I can make them eat out of my hand more gently? Thank you so much!

 

[nikolairapunzel]

Yes, that is normal. Some chickens peck harder than others. I dont know if you can make them be more gentle. Maybe wear work gloves so it doesn't hurt?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Chickens peck hard because nature requires them to do so. Normally they may be trying to capture bugs or worms that are digging their way frantically into the ground to escape. Or they are trying to peck grains from earth that may be muddy, grassy, weedy, sandy or any of several other conditions that require them to jam their beaks deep and hard to try to get it on the first try! They are not designed to be hand-fed; rather they are designed to be as independent as possible. That requires them to peck hard, fast and accurately.

 

[pixieschickens]

Chickens peck hard because nature requires them to do so. Normally they may be trying to capture bugs or worms that are digging their way frantically into the ground to escape. Or they are trying to peck grains from earth that may be muddy, grassy, weedy, sandy or any of several other conditions that require them to jam their beaks deep and hard to try to get it on the first try! They are not designed to be hand-fed; rather they are designed to be as independent as possible. That requires them to peck hard, fast and accurately.

Thank you α lot!