How do i make my chicks like me? haha

[Hoosierchickens]

AnimalFriend<3 :

When I first got them they ran away from my hand and would not eat from my hand either. I was patient. Sometimes I would put my hand in the brooder and not touch any of the chicks to let them know they didn't need to be afraid. I would gently pet them and hold them lightly in my hands for short periods at a time.

This is what I do too and my chicks are slowly warming up to me. A few of them run to my hand and even jump in it when I put it in their brooder. I've found it helpful that our brooder has side access. I think they are instinctually afraid of anything that comes at them from above like flying predators do so if you're able to approach them from the side where they can see you coming it helps. Also, they are very curious so use that to your advantage. Offer treats but make them work a little bit for it. Offer them interesting things to explore in your hand. Soon they will associate your hands with good things. I also talk softly to them when I approach and while interacting with them. It seems to calm them when they are afraid. Again, they will associate your voice with goodies. Keep at it and be patient. They will come around.​

 

[ChicknLittleLexi]

I am so looking forward to the day when my girls know that I'm "mama"!

Hoosierchickens - what kind of treat do you suggest for those of us who have an aversion to live bugs...yuck!

 

[chickened]

I have read some where that women will carry them in thier bra and they say it works to tame them. Seriously

 

[deserthens]

I just kept interacting with mine when they were chicks. They all have different personalities. I have found that some will be friendlier than others. They now all think I am their "god" and jump for 'joy' when I go near their pen!

 

[flying_babyb]

mine hate being in the bra. I know mine became my buddies when I tossed some bread scraps in my hand and sat my arm in there brooder. Now all I have to do is stick my hand in (even without food) and someone comes to sit on me. they also seem to love trying to peck my sweatshirts apart. SIlly birds!

 

[koakritters]

mine are 15 days now, and about day 10 or 11 i went from scary person to their favorite perch, no clue how that happened, but they just decided i wasn't scary anymore and now they demand to be on my shoulders ALL the time. luckily i only have 2 right now

 

[txhomegrown]

I have 27 fuzzy butts in the brooder right now. They are about a week old. I have been holding and talking to them ever since they came out of the incubator. To be truthful, I talked to them while they were still in the shells. If I put my hand in with the palm facing down, they all come and start pecking at it. If I put it in there palm up, they all gather around and climb all over my hand and wrist. As long as I don't move too fast, they show no fear. I have 3 others in another brooder that are almost 8 weeks old and. I have had them since they were 2 days old, and they are the most unfriendly, flighty bunch I have ever seen. I raised them the same way as the others. I am sure it has something to do with what breed they are as well. Some breeds are just friendlier than others.

 

[hennyannie]

Also they love shiny rings. Mine almost draw blood trying to steal my wedding band.

 

[KZ]

Honestly, my chicks never really liked me much until they grew up, moved into the coop and realized I was the food lady.

Now, they run like heck to get to me when they spot me coming out of the house ....

 

[MeowCluckBark]

My little babies are just 2 weeks old tomorrow. I don't really know all the best ways or anything I'm new to this. I have just been talking to them in a very normal voice every time I see them or come into the bathroom where their brooder is setup. I walk in and say "Hi girls!" and they have taken to looking out of the box at me. They are no longer alarmed when they hear my daughter or myself come in the room. I have been handling them everyday also. I make a kissy noise and slowly put my hand into the brooder so they know it's me. They do get freaked out for a second but then they calm down. Then I can easily pick them up. A little squawking occurs until I get them safely against my chest where it's warm and cozy.

Today I scrambled up an egg just to introduce them to a new food and try to work with them more. I crumbled some of it up in my hand and slowly put it in as before. I made the kissy noises and one of my girls (Jacqueline) came right over and ate the bits off my fingers first and then climbed right into my hand to eat the rest. I was so excited I had to hold in my giggles as not to scare her. She was the timid one when we first got her so it really warmed my heart that she was the first to willingly come to me.