I visit my girls multiple times a day (I am blessed to work from home.) Each time I try and pick one up or pet one they scatter. I have 5 ten week old RIR's who i have raised since they hatched. I have been their girl, I feed them, I clean up after them, I give them treats. They run to me when they hear my voice, but I can't get them to want to be held. I just wanna love them up! Help! Any suggestions?
RIRs are more of a skittish breed by nature. But now is the time to tame them. Naturally, chicks get scared very easily. They run and hide as this is what their instinct tells them because they are prey creatures. Start by just talking to them. Sit, watch them and talk soothingly to them. This will help them get used to your voice. Chicks recognize their mother by her voice so obviously, they will soon learn to recognize you by your's. After that, you can start to cuddle them. Hold them gently under your chin and talk to them. Once they get to the hyper age, train them to follow you by using your same voice as you did when they were little. Continue to hold them. Once they get to about 8 weeks, start hand feeding them treats. Continue to talk to them and cuddle them.
I give mine treats every time I go in the coop. I just held mine until they are used to it and gave them treats as I was holding them. Sit down give them treats right up close to you. So I guess my advice make them like you with food... Hope you get more help! -Emma
All i do is get some food in a cup... Feed them with that cup for a week or so.... The week after that whenever you walk by them with the cup with food in it they will run to you... while they are eating pick them up and feed them with your hand.. Make them think of you as "the food girl" They will love you forever.
^ When I walk up to the run they all come running because I give them treats. I get a kick out of it!
The way to just about any animals heart is food. Your chickens may become friendlier too when they reach the point of lay. My first flock did. Chicks that were skitish and ran from me we coming up to me and actually "talking" to me! I could pick them up and pet them. Interesting turn of events for me!