Disappointed about 4 Buff Brahma's so far - 3 1/2 weeks old

[rescueyou]

I got these 4 girls on June 11 (hatched June 10) and I picked them because the breeders description said they were docile and friendly. These girls are terrified of me and my husband. Getting to them to do butt checks and to just make sure they are doing ok makes my house sound like I am trying to slaughter these poor girls. I really want to have them get used to us, but I'm not sure if it is something we are doing wrong, or if this is how it will be when they go outside at 7 or 8 weeks.

Is there a trick to getting the used to us, or am I just stuck with these babies that will always be afraid of us??

Thoughts or advice GREATLY appreciated.
Michele

 

[GitaBooks]

I've dreamed of getting Buff Brahmas probably half my life, and I finally got two just a couple weeks ago, Bubs and Galadriel. I have a mix of other breeds in with them, and whenever I reach for them or get in with them they scatter and scream. But upon sitting still a few minutes they all come over, jump up onto my legs to perch, and take treats from my hands.
My Buff Brahmas are both more shy than a lot of my other breeds, even my Andalusian.

Here are some of the things I do to win over my chicks:
Talk to them when I enter the room, so they know it is me
Use the mommy-chicken call when feeding them or to calm them down
Not move fast or reach for them but let them come to me
Sit still and either be silent or quietly talk to them
Not hold the treat out to them but rest my hand with the treat in it so they can come to me
Not reach from above but from the side, so it isn't like a hawk
Warn them before I get up
Not stare at them, as this is a threat

Chicks seem a little more flighty than teens, in my experience, so they should calm with age and begin to adore the treats you bring them and time spent with you.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I've dreamed of getting Buff Brahmas probably half my life, and I finally got two just a couple weeks ago, Bubs and Galadriel. I have a mix of other breeds in with them, and whenever I reach for them or get in with them they scatter and scream. But upon sitting still a few minutes they all come over, jump up onto my legs to perch, and take treats from my hands.
My Buff Brahmas are both more shy than a lot of my other breeds, even my Andalusian.

Here are some of the things I do to win over my chicks:
Talk to them when I enter the room, so they know it is me
Use the mommy-chicken call when feeding them or to calm them down
Not move fast or reach for them but let them come to me
Sit still and either be silent or quietly talk to them
Not hold the treat out to them but rest my hand with the treat in it so they can come to me
Not reach from above but from the side, so it isn't like a hawk
Warn them before I get up
Not stare at them, as this is a threat

Chicks seem a little more flighty than teens, in my experience, so they should calm with age and begin to adore the treats you bring them and time spent with you.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Good advice. I also am new to the Brahmas. My Buff started out like the OP's. Scared to death of me. I am careful to make sure she knows I am entering the coop or run and move slowly while in there. She is now 16 weeks aprox. and is coming around nicely. Still wont take treats directly from my hand but will come close and stay by my feet while I am in there with them. NOW do please understand that I am not able to spend nearly as much time with them as I would like. I think that is why it is taking so long for them to decide I am good to be around.
My older hens are totally different since I was able to give lots of undivided attention to each of them as chicks. I think given time and good vibes with the advice from GitaBrooks she will come around.