Help taming my 2 week old silkie...

[Lacey Gardner]

I jut got a silkie that is about 2 weeks old. I have her in with my other 3-4 day old chicks who always let me put my hand in and rub their belly’s. I have been so patient the past couple days letting him/her get used to me but she still doesn’t want my hand anywhere near her/him. Should I continue trying slowly by putting feed in my hand etc. or should I just start trying to pick her/him up and holding her until she gets used to me? My other chicks I got as day old chicks. So maybe that is why they are so much friendlier? Any advise would be appreciated

 

[bluemtnwmn]

I would keep trying to attract her to your hand but maybe with some treats (and also chick grit). I've done some animal rescue (not so much with chickens) and the rule is always give them time to adjust and come to you. You and your environment are completely new to this chickie and it will take her a little more time to adjust. As a 'prey' animal it is instinctive for them to feel threatened by something coming down from above or grabbing them from behind. I talk to them and make silly chirpy noises whenever I walk by the brooder which also helps calm them and let them know it's me and not a threat.
My chickies are 4 weeks old and still don't like being picked up with a hand over their wings. A gentle hand on their breast feathers then moving it to their feet usually gets them to hop into my hand with no fuss. I got them as day olds and it took them a while to get used to the big monster (my hand) coming into the brooder. I hope this helps!

 

[Lacey Gardner]

I would keep trying to attract her to your hand but maybe with some treats (and also chick grit). I've done some animal rescue (not so much with chickens) and the rule is always give them time to adjust and come to you. You and your environment are completely new to this chickie and it will take her a little more time to adjust. As a 'prey' animal it is instinctive for them to feel threatened by something coming down from above or grabbing them from behind. I talk to them and make silly chirpy noises whenever I walk by the brooder which also helps calm them and let them know it's me and not a threat.
My chickies are 4 weeks old and still don't like being picked up with a hand over their wings. A gentle hand on their breast feathers then moving it to their feet usually gets them to hop into my hand with no fuss. I got them as day olds and it took them a while to get used to the big monster (my hand) coming into the brooder. I hope this helps!

Thank for the advise. It does help. Everything in me told me to wait it out and be patient even though I want to just go ahead and pick her up so bad. I will try with some treats I haven’t done that yet. He/she is very curious and looks at me constantly tilting her head really checking me out while I am talking to them and she will come close to my arm as I’m petting the others just doesn’t yet feel comfortable with my getting too close with my hand. Thanks again!

 

[bluemtnwmn]

No problem. The curiosity is a great sign! I've got a rescue doggo that came from a hoarder and he was a mess when we got him. He would bite and spray if you tried to pick him up but whenever I left the room or was chilling with my other doggo, he would come and peek around the corner to watch us. I could tell he wanted to join in so bad but was just terrified. Treats were definitely one of the ways to his heart. He's been with us for 5 years now and is a loveable, affectionate hoot!

 

[Lacey Gardner]

No problem. The curiosity is a great sign! I've got a rescue doggo that came from a hoarder and he was a mess when we got him. He would bite and spray if you tried to pick him up but whenever I left the room or was chilling with my other doggo, he would come and peek around the corner to watch us. I could tell he wanted to join in so bad but was just terrified. Treats were definitely one of the ways to his heart. He's been with us for 5 years now and is a loveable, affectionate hoot!

So sweet! Love that! Yes, I feel the same way about my silkie he/she is taking it all in and is so curious me and my interactions with the other chicks but just not quite ready to be a part of it yet.