How hard is it to tame a 5 week old that you did not raise from a baby

[jns3803]

My husband got me a 5 week old Jersey Giant rooster. I picked him up for the first time yesterday and he let me pick him but he was very fidgety and wriggled himself out of hands to get down. I know I am gonna have to work with him every day but does anyone have any tips or tricks to get him to calm down.

 

[LI chickie]

My chicks are almost 4 weeks. I added a chick after I lost one and that new chick always ran away when I opened the crate. The other 5 usually don't scatter away and sometimes come toward me. I need to get mealworms but the feed store only had a big jar for $40. Anyway the other night I caught her and held her. When she stopped wriggling around I loosened my grip and eventually held my hand flat and she stayed for a few minutes. Now she doesn't run for her life when I open the crate.

 

[Folly's place]

Just give the new birds time to acclimate, and move around them daily. Sit in the pen, watch, and offer a little scratch. They will be fine. I don't try to make pets of the cockrels; they need to respect my space at all times. If you will be taking him to shows, then some handling will be necessary. Mary

 

[jns3803]

Are the roosters a lot more independent then the hens when it come to all breeds

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Are the roosters a lot more independent then the hens when it come to all breeds

In general, my impression is yes. My boy sure is. Even though I raised them all, he doesn't come to me for treats anymore. He stopped at about 5 months old. He stands back and lets the girls have them. When the girls are done and walk away, he'll take anything that's fallen on the ground and been left behind.