Do My Chicks Hate Me?

[Judy]

You'll make more progress if you don't pick them up but bribe them into coming to your hand. Try to approach them from their side or below rather than above, as coming from above sets off their instinct to avoid predators. And yes, some will respond better than others. I have chickens who walk right up to me (looking for a treat) and others who won't come near me.

 

[MiddleChild]

I've noted that mine absolutely hate to be caught, but once held in arms or on a lap some actually go to sleep as they're stroked. (No, I don't think they're fainting from fright.)

 

[Chick15]

You could always try taking one away from the others and holding this. I had this same question when my babies were younger and somebody told me to do this. I picked one out and took it away from the other chicks, but close enough that it could still hear their cheeps and I sat down, holding her against my chest. Eventually she did calm down and was happy. Today, at 14 weeks, my girls still aren't crazy about being cuddled but enjoy walking up and down my arms, sitting on my shoulders and come running when they see me because they now associate me with food. Food does work!

 

[chickeninthenest]

I think that different breeds are just naturally paranoid, it's not what you are doing, it's just the reaction that is with in them no matter who you are. Also I don't know how old they where when you got them and how much you were able to handle them day to day? Sometimes if they are already big enough to know their surrounds better it's hard to introduce your self as something that is ok in their eyes, safty issue. All you can do is move slow, talk soft, peep to them, have something shiney on like a ring and let your hand just be part of their environment and soon you will find them pecking at the ring, running under your hand, etc. Oh ya, exellent idea when the sun goes down and they are wanting to sleep, while it's dim, don't turn on a light, take and hold 1 or 2 at a time, this should make them want to relax with you, they can't really see you well and they can't resist wanting to get cosy in your warm hand. Good luck!

 

[NateinFL]

NONE of my chickens like to be held. And they don't like me to pet them either. I give them their space.

 

[ranchhand]

After 20 years of raising chickens, I have found that chickens are NOT like puppies and kittens, wanting attention all the time. I don't cuddle or snuggle. Yet when I go out to sit for a while, they will still hop onto my lap or arm. They always cluster around my feet, to beg for food.

If I need to treat one, I have no problem catching it, because they are not afraid of me. They just aren't meant to be cuddly-wuddly pets. Not wired that way. There are exceptions, but mostly it's driven by a desire for FOOD.

 

[Brookiesflock]

my ten little silkes were wild and scared to death of me, I sat right in the middle of there brooder 3 times a day holding each of them close they put up a straight fit at first now after a full week of this they are so sweet and dont run from me anymore I didnt use treats because I thought they were too young, I also did this to my old hens and we pick them up all the time, so funny to see them chasing my little 3 year old around, too cute!!!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Quote:
I have nothing to add to this thread - I just wanted to say I got a laugh from your quote! Having witnessed a bunch of chickens eating on another dead chicken at a farm we visited - I have no doubt I'd be their meal. Thanks for the laugh!

 

[LibertyChick]

Quote:
How does a chicken cuddle with you?

 

[saddina]

Fred's Hens :

Some chickens can be bribed into behaviors that their owners find as affection. It is the chicken's instinct and nature to be wary, as they are nearer the bottom of the food chain than the top. Their instincts tell them to be afraid, wary and jumpy. They calm down considerably as they get used to you. Some become extremely "friendly" or comfortable around you. Many never will and that's ok too. We just let chickens be chickens. If we wanted lap dogs, we could get those.

Just trying to say, stay calm and enjoy them as chickens. It'll be fine.

I agree, mine will do what i want, but for food, not from some deep intrinsic love for me.​