How can I make my chicks like me?

[chickennewb-E]

The chicks are in the kitchen while it is so cold out. They seem scared of us. How do I make them bond to me? Can I?

 

[thecatumbrella]

I learned, firsthand, that chicks have a small imprint window in their first few days. I'm assuming you're past that point. The best way to move forward is to spend lots of time with them. Don't reach into the brooder to handle them, but just sit outside (where they can see you) and talk calmly. Once they've relaxed more, I'll slowly drape my hand into a corner, far away from them. Sometimes a chick will come over to investigate. Other times they'll totally ignore me. Either way, it's a no pressure situation. But they learn that you are not a threat, and your hand is not a threat.

It gets a lot easier to bond once everyone's moved outside. I spent quite a lot of time with my chickens, and I can tell they learn to enjoy human company (even if treats aren't involved!)

Here's a photo of me with my "skittish chicks", now 6-months old. They even turned down their apple skewer to hang out on the bench together.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Chickens are prey animals. Everything/ everyone wants to eat them. Fear is a survival mechanism. Don't take it personally. Don't move quickly around them, don't grab at them. Good advice above. Take a book and chill with them. Scatter treats around your feet and let them discover you're not a threat.

 

[djzcat]

The chicks are in the kitchen while it is so cold out. They seem scared of us. How do I make them bond to me? Can I?

When I got my chicks, last April, they were 1 week and 5 days old. I sit on the floor and put chick starter crumbles in my hand and call them with a quick high pitched voice, "chick chick chick". But what really got them coming was freeze dried soldier fly larvae or mealworms. I actually broke them into bite size pieces. Place them in your hand and excitedly call them. Before you know it, they will all come running. Later, you can use tiny pieces of greens. Make them very tiny. I even still call them with the "chick chick chick" now as adults to get them into the chicken pen and reward them with treats.