chicks scared

[smarquis86]

hello i was just wondering why my chicks run to the opposite side of the brooder when i come in. i make sure that i don't come barreling in and i always greet them with a hello ladies. i put my hand in and just wait for them to come to me they are one week tomorrow. is this the problem that they are just young will it get better as time goes by.

 

[Mahonri]

It's instinct. once they realize that the big arm has treats in it, they'll be mauling you.

 

[shuizar209]

Oh man. I have the same problem. I brood many chicks at any given time. To them I might as well be Hitler.

Once they get around 11 or 12 weeks they come around.

 

[Emmalion]

Hi and

That is totally normal for chicks to do that at that age. Right now they know they are food to everything and try to get away.

Mine will be 4 weeks this weekend and they are just now coming up to me and pecking at my hand for food. Some still run away but more and more come up to me when I walk over. Its a slow process and I don't have tons of time to spend with them everyday so It may have taken me longer than some to get their trust.

Just reach in very slowly slowly is the key word. and lay your palm flat in the brooder with some food in it. and wait.... they will come and investigate this new thing and will soon get used to you doing that after a period of time.

FYI don't reach in with the hand that has injuries/scabs/or anything painful that can be pecked. Holy OUCH! I learned the hard way.

 

[Tamato]

My crazy chicks are around 7 weeks...they come running when I come in the gate! It took them a bit, but they figured out that I have treats/food or a nice scratch for them. They will get used to you soon. Don't give up!
I totally agree with Emmalion...stick your hand out there with food in it and they will get used to you. Before ya know it, they will be crawling up your arms!

 

[Theapplechicks]

all of ours do this too, but usually if you hold them for a little while they calm down and snuggle. They are 2wk and getting a little better. There is one that always stretches out her little neck and looks at you so cutely. We got a new little spotted chick tonight that we don't know what kind she is but she is super friendly. I put my hand in the box and as the rest ran, she came right up to me and got on my hand and wanted to be held! Strange, but loved it!

Our other bunches though always came around after a few weeks and all their feathers were in and they were a little bigger....

 

[chickensinwasillaAK]

Just remember, you're taller then them and when you come in, they see it as a predator from above coming after them. Instinct is to run. They'll come around and eventually you'll learn they aren't the brightest creatures but they are are fun.

 

[duckking]

Mine now know that as soon as I put my hand in the brooder palm up, it's PLAYTIME! They get to come out and run around. So they all try and hop on my hand and line themselves up my arm. They are about 3 weeks old. The almost 2 week olds are starting to get the idea. If I take the lid off to just change food and water and bedding, they just jump out anyway.....

 

[hennyannie]

Quote:
I have to reach over the side of the brooder to touch my chicks, so I think its the whole from the air thing that scares them.Outside I can approach them and they are not as flighty.

 

[mommto3kiddos]

My baby chicks are still scared to death of me, but they will learn.. My 7 week old girls now run at the coop door when they see me in the yard and jump on top of each other trying to get to me when I go in.. LOVE IT