chicks skittish

[coachwife2004]

I was wondering how often I should be handling the babies? I try to hold them at leat twice a day but they still seem afraid when my hand goes near them in the cage? Is this just a normal reaction or will they get over it or should I be handling them more? I want them to really enjoy being around us and be friendly for my 3 yr old daughter so any suggestions would be great!

 

[baldie]

I am pretty sure that once you can start giving them treats they will learn that your hands are nothing to be afraid of. They are all a little skittish as babies, I know mine are. But I hold them ALL the time and it doesn't make much of a difference.

 

[Chickenfortress]

Put in handfuls of treats. They'll run when you go in, mill about nervously, and then come to see what you have. Once one starts to nibble, they rest will run over for fear of missing out. Egg yolks work wonderfully.

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

You have not meantioned how old they are. But they will come around sometime.

I bought a chick, maybe a month old, very wild, but now she runs up to me when she sees me.

So don't stress. You'll see.

Good luck.

 

[playingchicken]

I also think it depends on the breed. When I was young, my pet mutt chick was very friendly from the get-go. My hamburgs take MONTHS to come around. They are like down-covered popcorn whenever I come to clean the cage.

 

[HorseFeathers]

handle them as much as possible.