How to Make Your Chicks Like You More?

[lizsmall99]

Since we had to give away my beautiful roo, Nando, we got three more chicks today. We currently have three other hens, two of which are laying. I am new to the 'chicken world' and need some help on how to make chicks like you more. I know that food is a great way to teach them tricks and such, but I was wondering if there is any way else ya'll suggest.

As a side note, the three chicks are a Double Laced Barnevelder, Dixie, a Blue Orpington, Brandy ,and a Black Sumatra, Cas.

Thank you so much!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Trust is what it boils down to in the end. It is not something that is automatic. You have to earn it. Move slowly when near them. Yes food should be involved. Drop a few sunflower seeds or other prized item near your feet so they learn that you bring good things to their world.

Get it to where when you come out they come and hang out near you. You can work with them by putting the treats closer and closer to you. Eventually some may decide you are worth hanging out with.

One thing folks tend to forget is that they are NOT like dogs. They may hang near you but not necessarily like being touched. Mine will hang out with me all day long but the moment I try to touch one POOF they are out of there.

 

[Toddrick]

Trust is what it boils down to in the end. It is not something that is automatic. You have to earn it. Move slowly when near them. Yes food should be involved. Drop a few sunflower seeds or other prized item near your feet so they learn that you bring good things to their world.

Get it to where when you come out they come and hang out near you. You can work with them by putting the treats closer and closer to you. Eventually some may decide you are worth hanging out with.

One thing folks tend to forget is that they are NOT like dogs. They may hang near you but not necessarily like being touched. Mine will hang out with me all day long but the moment I try to touch one POOF they are out of there.

x2 - As chicks they may sit on your shoulder and let you touch them a lot, but most will outgrow that quickly, and never ever want to be touched. I have learned to enjoy just watching and being close to my birds. They will take treats out of my hand (as long as I don't try and touch them), and they always come running when they see me outside, which makes me happy because I can get a good look at them. So yea, treats in close proximity works.

 

[azygous]

A fun, easy way to let your new chicks get to know and trust you is to set them up in an outdoor pen as soon as they get old enough to be away from a heat source for a while, and climb into the pen with them and let them explore your legs and lap.

Don't try to grab them and hold them. Sit quietly and calmly. Very soon they will be climbing all over you and eventually will come to fall asleep in your lap.

This close interaction where you let the chicks choose to come to you will engender a lasting trust and as they grow, they will be far less likely to be afraid of you and run away when you approach. A few may even become such huge fans that they will demand to be held and cuddled often.

You can also use this time to train them to come when you use a verbal cue. Simply use the cue each time you offer them a treat. This will prove invaluable when you need to handle them in the future for any reason.

 

[lizsmall99]

Thank you so much for all of your responses! That makes sense to me and I'll be sure to patiently allow them to trust me.

I'm honestly surprised how sweet chickens can be if you raise them from chicks.

Thanks again!

 

[AllisonWndrlnd1]

I found my chickens liked me more when they started laying and saw me as the rooster. Give them extra treats like the roosters do and if they squat down when you walk by give them a pet. They will probably go through a "high school" time were they will not like you but once they start laying and you raised them from chicks it will be better.

 

[lizsmall99]

thank you all for helping!!