How do you get your chicks and chickens to like you?

[ellend]

After you've bonded over treats, what happens if you ever go in and you don't have treats? Do they still want to hang out with you, or do they only like you when you bring them food? It always annoyed me when we were growing up how my little sister always bribed the animals with food and they loved her, when I was trying to win them over with kindness, grooming, playing and other more social (and more honest, in my eyes, haha) methods, and it seemed so unfair, that I have been forever biased against treats, haha. Those were mostly mammals though. I know chickens aren't dogs/cats/goats/smart mammals that bond socially to humans, but is it possible to bond with a chicken and still be their friend even after you have to cap the treat supply for the day and you just want to hang out?

Perhaps you can get over the "morality" of "affection?" Chickens are food and safety motivated, period. That's not a moral failing, it's evolution and their prey status. Once they know you well enough to not fear you (through treats and gentle, consistent behavior on your part) they will be comfortable around you, but always looking for food--because they are chickens. Each animal responds to what their natural needs are. Social animals respond to company, touch, and of course, food. Non-social species need food and proximity but no touching unless they instigate it. Your chickens will, once they are comfortable with you, recognize you as a big protector--you are closer to the hawks than they are. That often makes them want to be around you. Respect for their capabilities and needs, over one's own, is was makes relationships with other species rewarding. Be grateful for the privilege of interaction, and leave your own ego (not a criticism) out of it, and you'll experience great reward with every species. They shouldn't have to act like humans to be valued.

 

[ellend]

Regarding "smart..." Wolves are excellent at surviving as wolves. Precious few humans could survive as wolves, without shelter, etc.. Prairie dogs are excellent at surviving as prairie dogs. Humans spend too much time trying to (arrogantly) measure the "smarts" of other species. Each species, including us, are evolved with the intelligence best suited to the survival of our species. If I had to find my food in a field like a chicken, I'd be hard pressed....and a chimpanzee can weave a nest in a tree in minutes; I'd most likely fall to my death.... Why the constant inequitable emphasis on comparing the intelligence of other species to the measurement of intelligence that we apply to humans? Reminds me of the days when city folk used to consider farmers "dumb" if they didn't possess higher academic education and "city smarts." Most now understand the intelligence and inventiveness needed to survive running a farm or homesteading. Why not forget measurements, and enjoy every single species for it's own attributes? Unless one has an inferiority complex?

 

[Wuick]

When I give me chicks treats I make a, “chick, chick, chick” sound every time and as they get older they run to the call. Super helpful if you need them to come for any reason.

As they get comfortable eating from your hand I would recommend suppressing the urge to chase them around the brooder, with your hand, to pick them up. I made the mistake of doing this (just once!) and now my favorite chick and I are currently having an exercise in regaining trust. Patience is key.

If you can gain the trust of one chick the rest are likely to follow suit. I have a cockerel that use to bite me when I put my hand anywhere near him, now he flys up to perch on my arm but only after he watched me with some of the older pullets doing the same.

Best of luck!

 

[K0k0shka]

@ellend wow, that was unnecessarily harsh and judgemental, and reading way too much into what I said.