do chicks recognize people?

[snazzyboots]

my husband went to visit with our chicks (about 10 days at that point) and said since they didn't recognize him they were scared. they always come running when i go to the brooder. they think i have treats i guess. so what do you all think? do they recognize their people?

 

[KZ]

I am the only one who takes care of the chicks at my house, and they act like I am a serial chick killer every time they see me. I expect them to hurt themselves throwing themselves into the side of the brooder in an effort to escape whatever evil sadistic acts I am about to heap upon them. So, my guess is no, they do not recognize people.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you bring treats every time you get close, they will remember you eventually. The old birds back home come running when they see my car pull in. I leave for 3 months at a time and they still remember.

 

[Nicole01]

I think they do. My two youngest daughters and I spend a lot of time with the chicks holding them. They are calm with us. Whenever my 17 year old tries to get near the chicks, they are very noisy and run for their lives. I keep telling her she needs to spend more time with the chicks, so they like her too.

 

[Katy]

I think they do.....my birds all come running to the fence or gate when it's just me and or the grandkids but if there's someone else with me they go towards the back of the pen most times.

 

[Fred's Hens]

A flock of 20 have the pecking order figured out, bird by bird, to the last detail. They certainly can tell each other apart, even when I cannot always differentiate them. They certainly have me figured. They know the click of the back door, the songs I whistle and even my foot step. Yeah, they know. Figuring out their flock of a couple dozen makes pegging the "giant" who feeds them an easy task.

 

[Judy]

Yup, if it's familiar people they come running, and for a stranger they hide. Baby chicks take a while to figure it out. Sometimes they take a while to figure out treats are good, too. Might be related!

 

[Terri O]

Same with mine. They really like me when I am carrying a bucket....or bags of bread. They love the sound of plastic bags! Terri O

 

[WalkerH]

I think they do. At least they remember who brings the food and treats. I'm the only one who takes care of the animals in my house and it shows. I go to get them and they hop up on me. My sister goes to get them and they throw themselves at the wall in an attempt to kill themselves.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:
x 2. When I first got my chicks, they were terrified of me. Now they come running when they see me. They were scared of hubby, but they are warming up to him now. But he doesn't bring treats as often as I do!