Handling skittish/flighty chicks that haven’t been conditioned

[member 615286]

My two 4-week old chicks (welsummer, Easter egger), recently acquired, were not handled previously, so are understandably skittish.
I understand and have been working on general conditioning practices, spending time with them without handling, allowing them to approach for treats, getting used to being around me/walking on my hand, etc. They aren’t interested in treats I’ve used with past chicks (I will determine more enticing options).

My question is about handling them in the meantime. Knowing to scoop them up from below, rather than from above, how do I accomplish this when they run the second I move in their direction, (sitting next to them moving my hand horizonally along the ground towards them with the intention to scoop them up. They scurry away almost immediately.
I need to handle them to get them out for short times to acclimated them to the outdoors prior moving them outside which Im needing to soon.

Any thoughts or previous posts/resources (I have searched for/read many prior to posting this) would be appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[3KillerBs]

I don’t need my chickens to sit in my lap (I have two needy Great Danes lap dog rescues for that), but also don’t want to be terrifying them any time they need to be handled.
Thanks again for the tips.

I can barely walk in my coop and run because they crowd around my feet hoping for treats of garden weeds, cabbage cores, carrot peels, etc.

I talk to them constantly when I'm in there so they're used to the sound of my voice.

They don't want to be caught or touched, but they like to be close.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

My two 4-week old chicks (welsummer, Easter egger), recently acquired, were not handled previously, so are understandably skittish.
I understand and have been working on general conditioning practices, spending time with them without handling, allowing them to approach for treats, getting used to being around me/walking on my hand, etc. They aren’t interested in treats I’ve used with past chicks (I will determine more enticing options).

My question is about handling them in the meantime. Knowing to scoop them up from below, rather than from above, how do I accomplish this when they run the second I move in their direction, (sitting next to them moving my hand horizonally along the ground towards them with the intention to scoop them up. They scurry away almost immediately.
I need to handle them to get them out for short times to acclimated them to the outdoors prior moving them outside which Im needing to soon.

Any thoughts or previous posts/resources (I have searched for/read many prior to posting this) would be appreciated.
Thank you!

I would honestly say just try to pick them up, and let them get comfortable on your lap. Maybe try to get them to sleep there. Pet then gently behind their necks and on their back, where you know it must feel good. Hold them frequently, but if they do their panick-peep, put them back with their fellows. Don't make any sudden movements around you, and yes I would try different treats.

 

[ChookieG]

Thank you.
I understand this and want to acclimate them to being help. Do you recommend I grab them from above (not ideal I understand why) to spend time holding them since they won’t let me scoop them from below as they can’t been handled up to this point ?

You may also want to speak to them when you try to pick them up in a very gentle tone so that they get used to your voice. Have them associate your voice with treats. You'll be surprised how well they respond to your voice when they get used to it.

 

[Sara S]

I would honestly say just try to pick them up, and let them get comfortable on your lap. Maybe try to get them to sleep there. Pet then gently behind their necks and on their back, where you know it must feel good. Hold them frequently, but if they do their panick-peep, put them back with their fellows. Don't make any sudden movements around you, and yes I would try different treats.

I had baby chicks that never were handled, this is what I did. I gave them treats and we tried there way but like you I kinda had a time limit on how long they were going to be inside. I just started picking them up and holding them. They liked perching on my hands as well as running after me now I love chickensGood luck!

 

[the_peanut_coop]

I've never had a chick that didn't like a small piece of bread.

I had a garlic knot and they were begging for it

 

[BlueBaby]

I've never had a chick that didn't like a small piece of bread.

 

[member 615286]

I don't make pets out of my chickens but I handle then when they need to be handled by either taking them off the roost at night or blocking them into a corner so I can catch them.

When doing the latter it's important to be calm and gentle while cornering them and, unless catching someone who is outside the fence and in danger, not making wild grabs.

Yes, this is what I needed to hear.
Thank you

 

[member 615286]

I've never had a chick that didn't like a small piece of bread.

Oh good to know thank you. They weren’t going for the mealworms and have been surprised not for the egg either. My first batch loved the mealworms and egg they lost their mind over.
Will give bread a go.
Anything else super enticing I should try?

 

[BlueBaby]

Oh good to know thank you. They weren’t going for the mealworms and have been surprised not for the egg either. My first batch loved the mealworms and egg they lost their mind over.
Will give bread a go.
Anything else super enticing I should try?

No, I only do the younger one's with the pieces of bread, because I know that it's easy enough for them to digest at that age.