hi everyone!

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winginit

winginit

In the Brooder
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So we now have 6 babychicks. 2 amaracanas and 4 Rhode Island reds.hopefully they are all females that's what I paid for...didn't really want 6 but there was a minimum purchase requirement...was thinking some wouldn't survive. But I'm hoping they do. I joined because every question I've had I found the most logical answers on here...I'm very practical...simple...and very cheap...not a bird fan...but I love my chickens go figure...hope they like us too! I have a 3yr old and a 1 1/2 yr old who are absolutely crazy over them. We play with the chickies to get everyone used to each other...any tips for taming the amaracanas would be great they are so skittish
 

So glad to have you join us!
There are some great tips on socializing chicks here on BYC - you can start with this article in the learning center https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-socialize-baby-chickens. One of the best things you can do to help your chicks learn to be comfortable with people is to simply spend time being a presence in their world. This doesn't mean always holding them, more about just becoming another "part of the scenery" to them vs. that strange, scary thing that pops in and out of view a few times a day. Take a book, go in to where they are and sit in their view - maybe even let them wander about around you (the logistics of this will depend on the setup of your brooder, etc). While there, talk quietly, sing, hum, etc so that the noises people make become familiar to them and comforting rather than stressful. When handling them, move slowly and try to approach them from the side/below vs. reaching down from above - predators come down from above and snatch baby chicks, so your hand coming down from above is something they are instinctively programmed to be afraid of. Small children are fascinated by chicks and there is nothing better than chickens and kids BUT you have to remember to look at things from the chicks' perspective and children are particularly problematic in this regard as children (especially in the younger age ranges) are prone to sudden movement, sudden exclamations, etc - all of which are going to cue a startle reaction from the chicks and make the children seem like something they ought to be frightened of. Helping your kids to remember to be calm and quiet and soft around the chicks will be key in helping everyone learn to get along.
 
Hi :welcome

Glad you could join the flock! Congratulations on your new chicks :celebrate Raising chicks is a fantastic and very rewarding experience something I enjoy very much. Ol Grey Mare has given you some super advice and a great link to check out. I have brooding shed so I sit out on the shed floor with my chicks to socialise them, often having full blown conversations with them. They soon learn to trust and become accustomed to me being out there with them as Ol Grey Mare said just part of the scenery for them.

Wishing you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy BYC, I am sure you will everyone here to help and very friendly :frow
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
frow.gif


Congrats on the new chicks! Lots of handling will tame them up. Be careful that you pick them up inside the brooder by scooping them up in your hands. You don't want to drop them. Chicks are naturally skittish of you at first. To them you are a predator. And even as they grow into adults, generally chickens don't like to be held or have their feet leave the ground.

I like to get chicks out on the living room floor and let them climb all over my lap. This really bonds them to you since they see you as protection in this big scary world. Just be careful little children don't step on them or dogs are kept locked up somewhere. Most dogs see chicks or chickens as dinner no matter how sweet they are.

Enjoy your new babies!! If you have any questions about them, feel free to ask around in the forums. Welcome to our flock!
 
It also helps if you play soft music when you are around the chicks. You can even sing along so they get comfortable with your voice. Please insist children sit on the floor when handling chicks. Chicks are very erratic and fast in their movements and can easily jump out of hands and end up dead or disabled on the floor. Excited hugs can break their bones. On the other hand chicks should not be brought up to faces unless kids/adults are wearing safety or regular glasses. Chicks/chickens are attracted to anything shiny, like eyeball and will peck to explore them. They will also aim for earrings and jewelry.
 
Thanks for the tips! I've been using all of them. Can't wait to see how all this works out! This is a great place for new chicken owners you guys know your stuff and love to share information!
 

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