Chicks Scared of Us

[bubba1358]

Hi All,
We've got 26 chicks, about 3 weeks old, in an incubator right now. We come by and feed/water them once a day, and usually come out another time or two just to hang.

Lately, the chicks has started scattering and trying to escape whenever we come by. We let them eat out of our hands at least daily, but it takes several minutes for them to calm down after the mass panic that ensues.

Is this normal? How can I minimize it? Thanks!

 

[MoonShadows]

I noticed that at around the same time with our chicks. Then, I started giving them some treats....meal worms, diced dandelion leaves, apple bits, etc. After that, they came a runnin' every time I put my hand in the box....whether or not I had a treat for them.

 

[SobbaChickens]

Food...the way to every animals heart lol I've tried to give mine watermelon, yogurt, strawberries, boiled eggs, cheese and they only like the last 2. And they like me a lot more now

Start giving them grit before treats though.

Katie

 

[RonC]

Mine were friendly when small and and they went through that stage. They calmed somewhat but till they were about 5 months old they were still pretty skittish. Once they started laying it was like someone flipped a switch. Of course if one gets frightened they all panic.

 

[bubba1358]

Gotcha.

Thanks for the replies. I'ill bribe them with food!

 

[khoe]

I am sure to always "announce" myself when I go out to visit my girls. I have a stupid little song I always sing, and so I always sing it when I get near them. It lets them know I'm coming instead of just startling them. My boyfriend didn't announce himself and they were having a fit anytime he would show up. I finally convinced him to song the song when going out there and they haven't been startled since.

 

[MoonShadows]

LOL...I always say "Momma's coming."...and they all seem to be waiting there for me.

 

[CherishHolland]

Treats is how I got mine to come around. The 6 in the brooder are almost 3 weeks old and I constantly talk to them whenever I walk by. Now when they see me they come running to whichever side of the brooder I am at,so cute then they give me the pathetic chicken look until I breakdown and give them a treat.

 

[khoe]

Treats is how I got mine to come around. The 6 in the brooder are almost 3 weeks old and I constantly talk to them whenever I walk by. Now when they see me they come running to whichever side of the brooder I am at,so cute then they give me the pathetic chicken look until I breakdown and give them a treat.

 

Oh no! Not "the look!" Mine have started making a hilarious "begging" noise. They fly into my lap look me right in the eye and make the cutest sound. How can I say no?!

 

[SobbaChickens]

I am sure to always "announce" myself when I go out to visit my girls. I have a stupid little song I always sing, and so I always sing it when I get near them. It lets them know I'm coming instead of just startling them. My boyfriend didn't announce himself and they were having a fit anytime he would show up. I finally convinced him to song the song when going out there and they haven't been startled since.

I do the same thing lol I sing "Chicka Roo Chicka Roo Chicka Roo Roo Roo"

I sure hope I don't have any roos though

Katie