flighty little things.

[jeremy]

i just got 8 silver laced wyandotte chicks about 4 weeks ago, and unlike the delaware chicks i started raising 2 months ago the little silver laced act like wild birds. every time i approach the brooder they go cracy. flapping and cheeping like i'm a giant monster trying to eat them.

i was just wondering if there was any way to aid in "taming" your chickens. eventually when the girls are all big enough they'll free range together out back, and don't want the silver laced to scatter whenever we enter the run.

suggestions?

 

[redoak]

Give them treats several times a day. Move slowly and hold a treat out for them to get. They will eventually calm down and become curious and approach your hand. After a few tries they will (hopefully) eat out of your hand. Then they will start to associate you with food and become more tame.

 

[donnap1967]

Is this a common trait with Wyandottes? I just ordered a couple. I am hoping they will be friendly.

 

[Portia]

My SLW were the same way. They are almost 13 weeks now and they come running with the rest when I enter the back yard and also eagerly come up and eat out of my hand. In fact all of them think I should ALWAYS have something for them to eat when I appear. One of my SLWs is a roo and he was the most friendly of my SLWs since chickiehood. They are beautiful and curious birds, but also cautious. Give them time and attention.