Any tips/tricks for handling the chicks and/or calming them down so I can hold them for longer than a few seconds? The chicks are about 3 weeks old and except for the bantams, almost impossible to hold (once I catch them, that is!) they are so wiggly! I want to get a better look at all their little features!
some of mine usually freak out when i first catch them if they are flighty i try to let them flap around on my hand and then they finally settle down and usually perch on my hand or fingers and some i to just have to hold in my lap and pet until they calm down from being caught
A lot of patience. The more time you spend with them, the more comfortable they will be. it is their natural instict to be afraid and try to get away. Just be gentle and persistent. Give them treats and they will trust you more.
They should warm up to you pretty quick. I get a hand towel out and have a seat on the couch with them. They will hop off my fingers and onto my well padded middle... After a few minutes, they feel the heat coming off me, and start working their way up to my face to see what that ugly pink thing is, then they peck at my white hairs on my chin, and in no time at all, no fear of me at all. Keep at it, let them investigate you (hands off), then when they are good with your presance, they should be more apt to being held and fiddled with.
Two things that helped me: 1. Scooping from the bottom instead of reaching over the top (so they didn't think I was attacking like a hawk). 2. Giving them control of their feet, and letting them perch on my hands instead of cupping my hands around them. I think it mostly takes time and experience. These were my very first chicks, and mine are still a little flighty. I think next time, they will be friendlier sooner because I will be calmer and more confident when handling them.
Thanks for all the tips. We have them in a brooder out in the barn right now so I haven't been able to take them out too much (afraid they'll get loose in the big barn!). THey definitely have warmed up to us though and get all excited and come towards us when we see them (expecting treats, I suppose).
My 2 weeks olds have yet to warm up to us, and are so scared they wont eat treats I have brought them (hard boiled egg, chips, tiny pretzel pieces, tomato). I'm hoping this will pass.
