Conditioning chicks?

[SheeReno]

Hey all, we're still raising our two babies. Our first. They're too young to ask for breed or gender yet, but pics will come (they're actually the 2 in my avy) when they are more mature.

I guess I have some random questions. They are super friendly and are about 3 weeks old right now. Their wings are almost fully feathered and their backs/tails have some feathers coming out. They come charging to a flat hand in hope of some mealworms, but whenever I try to pet them overhand they FREAK. They also do not respond well to being picked up.

I know that some chicks are more apt to this than others, and that some will always be shy and that's how it is. However, I am holding out in hope that these are the "teenage" rebellion years and that they will come around? They eat both treats and regular mash out of hand, but if I try to slowly pet them while they do, the two will scatter and then come back, but scatter if I try to pet again.

So what I've been doing since last night is holding them in one hand, I can't post a pic right now because they are in the middle of "their time," but I hold them for about 10 minutes and when I go to set them down, if they freak at all they never leave my hand and get pulled right back on up for another minute. They kinda freak when the hand goes in, and I'm trying to conceal "pick up mode" until the last second with my hand. They still scatter. But will come charging back if I open it up in hope of treats.

Is my holding method going to help or hurt in the long run?

 

[canada-goose]

The best way to catch a chick is from the front. They are prey animals, after all. Once you are holding them and they have calmed down, you can probably pet them a bit. If they panic, let them go. I think it is better to let them calm down if they panic. making them face their fears is a bit stressful for them.
I hope I helped!

 

[gritsar]

I agree that the best way to pick up a chick is from under, not over. Think about it. You're an animal that lots of other animals like to eat; especially hawks, eagles and such. How do those predators come at you? From above.
It's in a chick's instincts to be afraid of being grabbed from above.

 

[SheeReno]

...makes sense...I have to admit that it makes me feel bad that they seem a little rattled when they finally get put back on the ground. But they do eventually stop freakin'. Maybe it really was just out of fear...thanks for the help.

they won't hate me forever for this, will they?

 

[Bear88]

mine run at my hands when i put my hand in but if i go to pick them up with out letting them run to be they cheep so loud

so i know to let them come to me and then have cuddles

everything happens so fast with them .... sleep for a min, eat for a min , sleep for a min

 

[Kelso]

Good info and good luck.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
This is normal behavior. They are prey animals, remember. Everything is a threat and they instinctively respond that way.

Is my holding method going to help or hurt in the long run?

Honestly, it probably wont make much difference. They will most likely remain skittish when they are grown.
Chickens are not keen on humans, for a number of reasons. But suffice it to say that is the order of things. What they like best is to be left alone. Hard for the chicken "lover" to swallow, I know, but it is what it is.
Yes, they can be conditioned to your presence and a few will be bold enough to seem friendly. But a moments indiscretion will make even a "conditioned" chicken scatter like you were Cerberus himself.

Food is the greatest ally you can have with chickens. They will love you when you have treats for them. The rest of the time, well... don't expect too much, that's all I'm saying.​

 

[write2caroline]

My first batch of chicks were mellow and enjoyed the interaction, Seemed to like it when I praised their feathers, hopped on my hand whenever I reached in to change food and water and they would sit on my hand until I put them down.

Second Batch thinks I am destructor and freaks out - Same set up, same attention, they hate me! It is okay. I can deal with it but I am thinking that first bunch suckered me into wanting more chicks in some kind of plot to take over the world.......But then I wake up and remember they are chickens. As much as I would love to have some snuggly chickens, there is only one of me and six of them and my older girls still let me pet them so it is probably best.

Dot and Lutzie my nearly 12 week olds are GLW and the nearly 3 week olds are 3 SLW (One is a roo - jury still out as to which one is the roo) and one Barred Rock (Adidas)- She is sweet and tolerates me more.

In a week or so I will start to give the younger chicks some treats.

Food is the best motivator!
Caroline
Jax FL

 

[cmom]

My birds freaked out more when they were younger but have mellowed with age. The best way to a chicken’s heart is through its stomach.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Rather then feed in the brooder, try slowly putting your hands in until they get used to them and slowly work your way to gently picking them up and set them on your lap, then give them a treat all the while talking to them softly.

Do this every day. I would only put them down when they calm down and not when they are wiggling. I would think that they'll learn if they wiggle, they get put down.

My eight hens are now HUGE layers 24 wks old and they still let me pet them and pick them up. Comes in handy when they get out and you can walk up to them, pick em up and put back in the coop or run rather then have to chase them all over the place.

Good luck with your little ones.