How do I get my chicks to like being held?

[Pele]

I agree with the others. It is very dependant on breed (my Cochin sleeps in my hands and likes to watch TV with us). Of course you always have variations of personalities within the breed as well.

Some chickens will never like your 'hugs', just like some people don't like being hugged. Most are very willing to forgive if treats are involved though

. The way through a chicken's heart is definitely it's crop.

 

[mdbokc]

I am sure the breed choice makes a difference...which is why we prefer Golden Comets and a few RIR which follow the GC lead. But the GCs are just wonderfully docile.

 

[Hand Mama]

HI! I am brand-new to chick raising and to this forum. I have 2 Americaunas who are 3 weeks old, very happy and playful girls. They will come to the door of their (new and larger) brooder. They will eat mealworms (their favorites) out of my hands, but they DO NOT like to be held. What can I do to remedy this? Also, they are doing well with "flying" short distances, but do not use the roost (set up approx 4") in the brooder. Is this OK?
ANY and all advice is welcome!

Thanks.
Jen

Hi, my baby chick is only 2 days old & when I put my hand in the brooder it just comes & gets in it, when I put it down it chases after my hand to get back in now it won't shut up when I leave, I thi k it's because I was the first thing it saw when it hatched or that my hands are just really warm all the time

 

[yakitori]

My chicks don’t like it, but I do it anyway. I run my hand over their feathers and pet their wings when they’re eating, and pick them up randomly when they’re foraging. When I pick them up, I cup them from the sides, probably not the most comfortable for them, but I want them to get used to it since it’s how I pick them up a night to put them back in the brooder. Some sqwak a little, but all of them will go right back to what they were doing once I set them back down. I do the same with my guinea keets.

For all of them, if I pick one up then stick a treat infront of her, she will happily stay in said hand until treat is eaten, lol

 

[Veb]

I used crickets as bait.

What I found works well is:
1) be at their level if possible
2) reach out to them with your palm up (keeping you hand low to the ground)
3) slide your hand under their chest (legs go between your fingers)
4) pick them up
5) slide your free hand under their legs
6) remove the hand you picked them up with.
7) give them a cricket (make sure they have grit available)
8) belly rubs if you must.

They don't care for the "hand from above" (instincts)

Of the 4 I have, 2 are now flying onto my arms without any prompting. 1 can be coaxed onto my arm. 4th doesn't care and hates to be held. Gets back to the breed discussion and their temperament.

 

[Veb]

This sounds a great idea, especially siting down to their level.