Chicks scared of being picked up

[BoerneChickens]

We have chicks that are just turning one week old - they run right up to our hands to eat pieces of strawberries out of our fingers when we reach down into the brooder, but if we try to pick them up they run and do everything they can to escape. We are very gentle with them and feed them treats afte picking them up and they calm down once they are picked up - but I feel bad that they are obviously so scared.

What are we doing wrong? We have one Marans and 3 EEs

 

[mdbokc]

I never feed treats that early BUT picking them up often each day and petting them until they relaxed resulted in calm, tame girls. A couple even flop over on their backs (as they did as chicks) to get tummy rubs.

Just keep on doing what you are doing. They have to get used to you and learn to trust you without hesitation (which most will eventually do if you stay the course).

 

[sherrydeanne]

You're not doing anything wrong, they're just scared of the giant hand looming at them. Can't really blame them for that one

My chicks all freaked out at being grabbed from above; once they were in the coop and were on my level they were much better about it.

 

[bigstack]

I have 6 week olds and some are still not as tame as the others. I have 1 that at 2 weeks just jumped up into my hand and started to preen herself when I was Reaching for the waterer. LOL She is so Sweet and lovable! Now the others are comming around and I only have given treats once! I know have 5 that will roost on my arm. LOL this may be a problem when they grow up. LOL giants can be a lil heavy!!!!

Just keep up the taming! it just takes time. I just pick up each 1 and hold for a minute then release. Always talking in a mono tone. If they are extremely nervouse I will hold a lil longer. If they get to wild I will hold them in my lap. Gently rubbing over their necks and back. The neck is the hardest place to touch them. Predators and all. But when they see you will not harm them and that you will not give up, they will give in and start to enjoy it! Just keep at it!!!

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[BoerneChickens]

Thanks for the encouragement! We will keep at it!