How to tame new chicks?

[bookjunky4life]

I currently have 12 standard chickens and 3 bantams that I got from a local ag store last March. Only two are friendly enough they will allow me to pet them, both are trained to fly to my arm, an Ameracauna hen "Falcon" and a Old English Game red rooster bantam "Little Beau Peep." I have 34 new chicks that are about four or five days old that I got through mail order. They are a mix of about 15 different breeds, about half standard hens, half bantams straight run.

I have been only getting in their brooder to fill feed, water, or change the bedding, because I wanted to let them settle in and not stress them more. However, now I want to start making sure I'm handling them properly so that I can ensure I have as many super-friendly, jump in your lap-type chickens as possible. What should I be doing now and as they get older? I just became a stay@home mom with a two-month old. I can't always spend long period of time with them, but I can spend smaller bits of time quite often throughout the day.

 

[roostersandhens]

To tame the chicks I would say hold each one maybe 15 minuts each day wich may be hard with so many chicks.
Good Luck!

 

[Usingmyrights]

15 minutes a day is alot of time if youve got more than a few chicks. Mine just moved outside yesterday, so now they're getting even less than before. When they were in the house my wife would talk to them, pick them up, etc throughout the day. Now its just a couple times a day to check on them.

 

[Debs55]

What I do is first let them eat out of my hand. Mix some of their food with some kind of treat and once one decides you're "safe" to come near they all gradually will. Once they start crowding around they will begin to jump up in your hand and on your arms trying to get to the best spot for food. Keep doing this until they seem comfortable and then slowly pick them up. I wouldnt crowd them with your hand at first I would just let them "roost" on you

Like this

 

[roostersandhens]

What I do is first let them eat out of my hand. Mix some of their food with some kind of treat and once one decides you're "safe" to come near they all gradually will. Once they start crowding around they will begin to jump up in your hand and on your arms trying to get to the best spot for food. Keep doing this until they seem comfortable and then slowly pick them up. I wouldnt crowd them with your hand at first I would just let them "roost" on you

Like this

That is a good idea!

 

[Debs55]

Thank you! So far it has work very well for me! Post some pics when you get them to roost on you