How to tame 2 week old quail chicks?

[PhoxFroot]

Hi, I'm a new-comer to the BYC forums but I've used it as a tool for extensive research and guidance for the last month and half. 2 weeks ago 7 of my coturnix quail eggs hatched and gave me 7 beautiful chicks, all of which I hope to tame and 3 of which I hope to keep as indoor pets. Unfortunately, I hadn't learned how important it was to imprint on the chicks when they hatch, and sadly I wasn't able to, or, at least I don't think I was able to register as a mother to them (LOL). As of today, they're always calm when I put my hand into the brooder to replace food and water, and mostly calm when I give the occasional belly rub. So far, I've given them boiled egg as a treat and they go wild for it (should I keep this up?). However they seem to be very dependent on seeing the other chicks and when taken out of the brooder, they call for the others. I had read that handling them was the best way to tame them, and that would be true if they were much more calm around me if they thought I was their mother. However, this isn't possible as they are slightly frightened by my hand and thus will not remain calm around it. I was just wondering if this normal, whether it may cause some difficulty taming them and if anyone could give me tips as to how I can get these little lads comfortable with me outside the brooder. Any experiences with taming any type of chick will be greatly appreciated.

 

[JaeG]

At two weeks old they are becoming more independent and don't actually need their 'parents' so much - I hatched two under a broody bantam and they needed her for three weeks, that was it. For the first week they are very cuddly, but after that they don't really want cuddles anymore and are flightier, but that doesn't mean they won't want to interact with you when they are older.

As they mature you should see them become calmer as long as they are used to you and see you as the bringer of yummy treats. They love clover leaves, and sprouted alfalfa and sunflower seeds if you can find the seeds to sprout. There are always birds that will be calmer/more friendly than others as they do each have a distinct personality.

When they are older scoop them up so they are facing you, hold their wings, let their legs dangle and most are pretty calm when being held that way. Some will be so nosy they'll fall out of the cage when you open it (if the whole front opens) and they'll all stand in your way as you are trying to clean out their cage! So stop worrying and just enjoy them.