How to get kids and chickens to get along?

[ornurse25]

I'm a first time chicken mom and we have had our four since they were two weeks old (they are about 8 weeks now). I'm so new at this that the only thing I can say about my chickens is that two are white and two are brown. It seems like no matter how much we are around them or work with them, they are still jumpy. Out daughter (7) has spent lots of time sitting by them and would really love to hold them but they will have no part of it. Thank you for any thoughts or advice!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chicks seem to go through a fear period from about 2 months until sexual maturity. If handled before they reach 8 weeks they will usually become friendly again after egg laying begins. Certain breeds don't like to be handled, and most chickens tolerate it but would rather not be held.

If you are wanting chickens that are more interactive you should pick out mellow breeds like silkies and bantam cochins. I prefer not to handle mine too much because they can be too forward as adults, and I don't like being pecked. Mine will still come running for treats even though I never tamed them.