I Want User Friendly Chickens!!

[robren]

Hi Folks

New chicks arrived June 16th. I'm looking for your experiences with getting them used to being handled. I've started with just sitting in their enclosure, then letting them peck crumbles from my hand, and there are 1 or 2 (out of 10 total chicks). that now let me pick them up. Most still run at any slight movement. They are only 4 weeks and maybe it takes longer for them to get used to me. I go into the enclose at least twice a day for 1/2 to 1 hour at a time. I'm sure different breeds will reacts differently as well. What are the treats you've found worked best.

I also have 3 older girls (2 years old) I will be dividing the run in half soon to allow them to look at each other before putting them together. How old should the babies be when being introduced to the older gals? How fancy does the temporary coop need to be? I am in N.H. and the nights can be a little cool. I'll look for a stretch of weather with no rain and kinda mild evenings when the time comes.

Thanks for your thoughts!!

 

[TXchickmum]

We purchased chicks when they were approximately five days old. (a group of three) The following week, we purchased four more (bantams). They were about a week old at the time. We kept each group in a separate brooder. -would pick each chick up several times per day, hold it (making certain to keep it warm), and talk to it. The second week, we would take each little group out (again, making certain that the area was warm enough) and let them scratch around for a bit - indoors. -would talk to them, and sing a particular song to them. After about three weeks, we began taking the little groups outdoors for small amounts of time (as the weather/temp permited). They would follow me/my daughter around, and when I sat on the ground and sang to them, they would hop up and roost on my leg. All of the chicks became very used to hanging around the family. To this very day (all are between 15-16 weeks), when I sing the same particular song, all three of the big gals will come running and hop up in my lap or roost on an arm. It's hilarious!!! All of the chickens will run toward any of our family when we go out the back door. Whenever we sit out back in lawn chairs, the Japanese bantam roosts on my shoe. One rooster, in particular, always likes to sit in my daughter's lap. -think because they were so used to being handled from the time of purchase, they are content and comfortable being around folks.

I do not have experience at all with integrating flocks. (other than two of the same age, which get along fine) -sounds like that you are taking very good precaution regarding their safety, while placing them in proximity to one another to get them acquainted. -not certain how cool it is, but you may want to place a heat lamp close by for warmth if they are 4.5 weeks. -mine were moved to the outdoor coop at 7 weeks. (We're in Texas, so even in the early spring it's fairly warm) -did keep a heat lamp near on very cool evenings. I would say the only temporary coop requirement is security. If they are going to spend most of their time there, it just needs to provide adequate space and protection from the elements and predators.

 

[crchickens]

We started holding and playing with our baby chicks from the day we got them, every single day. My daughter actually brought them into her bedroom and played with them for hours. My girls are now 6 months old, and when I open the coop, they all run over to me for back scratches and loving. I would start picking them up now, if I were you. It is important that you can, because if they need medical care, you want to be able to handle them. I can pick up and care for every one of my girls. Try grabbing them over the top, holding their wings down, and bringing them into your body. I find they love to be scratched on the neck, and it calms them right down. I rescued 6 older girls, and they are not as bonded to me, but I can even pick them up when I scratch them on the neck.

 

[Pullet Surprise]

Hand fed dried meal worms (just a few at a time) made me Goddess of the Chicken Clan.
I would go in the run and sit on an over turned bucket and have "Chicken Story Hour"
with them. It got to the point of having a lap full of chickens.....a couple are still a bit more
stand-offish than the others, but if I need to pick them up I can. For the most part they figured it out
that they got more treats without having to compete with their flock mates if they let me hold them
one at a time and eat out of my hand. Now I have them getting up on the ramp and jumping into
my arms, shoulder, forearm if I'm standing near it. Yours may be a wee bit young for too many meal worms
but multi grain bread crumbs were a big hit as well. All things in moderation. Oh, and by the way, they really like
the story of the exploits of 'Atilla the Hen'....just kidding, The idea is simply to get them to equate being held with getting
a fabulous treat....they aren't stupid and pick up on it pretty quick. The down side is that it isn't as easy to do chicken chores
with a hen on your shoulder.

 

[Nicole01]

I've handled my chicks from day one several times a day. The younger, the faster they trust you. I just hatched three and they were super friendly since the day they were born.

I have the time to handle them too. The kids will help me. Every single hen I have is a lap hen, even the most skittish were tamed..

They really start to come around as soon as they start squatting. I bring treats and their food with a kissy noise and a whistle if they are no where to be found. I free range all day. They all come running to me like they're in a race to see who can get to me first. Of course they think I have something yummy.

Bad photo, but I was getting bombarded by the hens. I have the one on my foot and a few on my lap. Sometimes the whole flock jumps on me and sits where there is room.

 

[robren]

Thanks for the replys!!

I am able to handle 2 of the 10 so far...... I try to at least touch or stroke the chest if on comes close enough. I don't want to corner them to often, some just really seem to freak at the smallest movement. I'd prefer they come to me rather than me picking each up kicking and squalking. I guess if it's not in their nature to approach I'll have to force myself on them...
I do know the power of mealworms...... And I do sing a " buck --buck ---buck,buck,buck" song to them. I think that really helps.

Any other sights (can they see colors?) , sounds, treats or tricks???