How do I tame my baby chicks?

[Backyardchickenlover89]

I am raising three baby chicks in a brooder in our house. They’re one week old and they’re a white Leghorn, an Easter Egger and a Rhode Island Red. My problem is that whenever I try to hold or even touch them they go into a frenzy of trying to get away. My older pullets - 7 months - are also very shy, so I am hoping that I can raise these babies to be more friendly and outgoing. They’re so scared of me that they won’t even get close enough to allow me to offer treats from my hand. Does anyone have any suggestions for making my chicks more friendly and unafraid of me?

They aren’t dogs and aren’t going to do any fancy tricks but I wish they could’ve would’ve been nice to seem them roll over or do back flips lol, the best thing you can honestly do as a owner is communicate with them daily they will grow to love you as their owner, try hand feeding them so that later in life they could trust you specially if one of them turns out to be a rooster you don’t want them poking your eyes out, animals are smart no matter what even though chickens are a bit slower in brain function, once they see you they will remember you

 

[Backyardchickenlover89]

Imagine if you could put a leash on your chicken and took it out for a walk, wouldn’t that be amazing, they don’t do much expect maybe lay eggs, fertilize the eggs, egg bugs and food, shit on your backyard, and do some good work for your plants, the only taming you would be doing is your time looking after then them - lol

 

[divediva]

Hi thanks for all the advice those who responded. I love it when they sit on me but I get upset when they are aloof. I just keep trying, giving lots of treats and letting them do their thing. Hopefully they will mellow out when they are older. They are only 8 weeks and I know I was a bit of a tearaway when I was a teenager

 

[Criticalicious]

Sometimes you have to ignore their fear, or rather, learn to read whether it's a normal prey response or bona fide fear. Mine don't mind being picked up and held, but it's never been their favorite thing, even as babies. They have always come running to see if I brought treats, but I have to move a certain way to catch them and pick them up. Once they're held, they are calm, but sometimes they act like "Nooooo!" It's like catching little kids to take a bath!

Generally if they stay on the ground and you can corner them, approaching calmly and quietly from the sides, not from above, without them jumping and screeching, they're OK - but if they're in a panic, they will fly up to get away. Wait until they calm down and then try again. Keep at it every day and over time, they will grow more accustomed to being handled. Especially if you bring treats.