Getting chicks to trust you....

[Hennypenny99!]

I actually just got chicks. They are 3 days old! I have been putting my hand in the bin they are in and letting them approach me and sometimes i put their food on my hand. I have been picking them up and handling them but a few of them freak out and hate it so much. I have been working on gaining trust with 2 out of the 6. I put then on my chest and stroke them softly and slowly. They both fell asleep on my chest. I want to give them treats everytime i pick them up, especially the ones that are terrified of me. What age am i allowed to give them meal worms. I want them to learn that i am trustworthy and am not going to hurt them.

 

[wamtazlady]

I'd also suggest that each time you go out to give them a treat you use some sort of call words. I use "here, chicky, chicky." Even if you don't free range the chickens will learn to come to you when called. You never know when one might get loose. I free range so call them in if they get too far from the house.

 

[Pigpie]

As you build a bond/friendship with them over time they will start to trust you just as with anything else

 

[happyhens1972]

MEALWORMS!!!!

The way to any chicken's heart, regardless of age, is through its crop! I have found mealworms to be the best way. Dried when they are under two weeks and live from that point onwards (ensure they have grit available)

I also think the most important factor, which I know has been mentioned, is to not grab them from above. It is hardwired into them to be afraid of being grabbed from above so it is better to 'scoop' them up from their own level, with your fingers sliding under their chest and belly, from front to back, and their legs dangling between your fingers and hanging down, so they cannot then jump out of your hand. I have been doing this with my latest batch of CCLs since they hatched and now, at five weeks old, they will run towards me, then stand completely still when I put my hand towards them, and sort of lift their chest, in anticipation of being scooped up, watching my hand as it goes under them. It's really sweet.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I got 30 baby chicks. It's just impossible to handle them all so I decided not to pick up any of them. What I did do is talk to them. They get used to your voice and will respond. I tell them with the same words each time I bring a treat, I tell them in the same words when I bring new water. I just talk to them and they recognize my voice now (5 weeks) and are very comfortable with my presence. When I bring bird seed or grass treats they get excited now and come immediately to see what they are getting. It's warmed up finally today and every one of them is in the run for the first time! Not the first time any have been in the run, they are free to enter and leave the coop, but this is the first time they are all out of the coop!

 

[Peppercorngal]

MEALWORMS!!!!

The way to any chicken's heart, regardless of age, is through its crop! I have found mealworms to be the best way. Dried when they are under two weeks and live from that point onwards (ensure they have grit available)

I also think the most important factor, which I know has been mentioned, is to not grab them from above. It is hardwired into them to be afraid of being grabbed from above so it is better to 'scoop' them up from their own level, with your fingers sliding under their chest and belly, from front to back, and their legs dangling between your fingers and hanging down, so they cannot then jump out of your hand. I have been doing this with my latest batch of CCLs since they hatched and now, at five weeks old, they will run towards me, then stand completely still when I put my hand towards them, and sort of lift their chest, in anticipation of being scooped up, watching my hand as it goes under them. It's really sweet.

I agree, mealworms are a favorite! I started giving them dried mealworms the first week. That, spinach leaves, a little dove and quail bird seed (better that scratch I think) and they are hooked!

 

[padutchgirl]

I have the same problem. The first 6 that I got let me hold them from the first day (at 1 week old) and didn't try to get away from me and now they are always so excited to see me and follow me all over like dogs. I can hold and pet them all. The 2nd batch I just got (2 weeks old) HATE me. When they hear my voice the start freaking out...they won't come near me...the just HATE me. All 6 of them. Makes me sad or feel like a bad mommy....but I am trying to be patient. I give them meal worms now out of my hand and 2 of them will come over and take them from me, but the others still cower in the corner of the brooder.

 

[kris13]

Yeah, try and stay low. Ours are friendly enough, but they're even better with our girls since they're smaller.

 

[Carmel_Corn]

Does anyone have any other ideas on getting them to trust you?? I'm thinking the best/only good way is to hold and handle them. Any tricks of the trade would be appreciated!!

Sprinkle seed by your feet and stand still they will come to you and you can keep standing still or pick one up.