I'm disappointed with my chickens

[sheeshshe]

sigh...... I really hope it is just a phase.

I do give them treats. but they still run when I try to pick them up! they want the treat and the treat only. breaks my heart!!

 

[chickensioux]

Everytime I have had chicks, once they go to the coop, they tend to become a little cold to me. After awhile, not all of them, but alot of them start coming back to me. I take them treats alot and slowly they start warming back up. All of mine are at least 12 weeks and older and I have several that beg to be held. I have never had all of them become as friendly as they were when they were in the brooders. I believe it will happen for you, don't give up on them.

 

[rancher hicks]

treats work and sometimes I like to go sit in a lawn chair with a drink or lunch and throw grapes or something else to them. they don't have real good memories and they need to see you.

As for the way to a man's heart, well OK I'll give you that, but we also like the attention.
They gotta know they can trust you.

 

[sheeshshe]

I will try these things... My kids are sad as well because well they used to cuddle them and walk them around outside and now they won't let them.

we have 2 that are 5 weeks old and they follow us around still LOL! but they are almost the age where the larger ones started being distant. I don't want to lose them too! the two little ones are constantly in the arms of my 2 kids

 

[TheFreundFlock]

Quote:
LOL!! SO TRUE!!!

 

[Anny]

Bring food/treats with you when you visit, pretty soon when they hear you coming the think "FOOD" and come running.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

Chickens dont benefit emotionally from being held, you're going to have to make it a fair trade for them. if you dont have treats in your hands when you call or come to visit theres really not much in it for them.

A lot of it could be the breed too. Some breeds arent very people friendly.

 

[flakey chick]

At that age they are awkward teenagers. Being held can be uncomfortable for them when they are getting their new adult feathers. When they approach laying age, they will let you catch them. Also they are more "cuddley" (or at least docile) at bed time.

 

[Mahonri]

My almost 12 week olds don't like me anymore either.... they'll walk up close, but they don't jump up into my lap anymore. But I still enjoy watching chicken TV!

 

[mountainchick5]

All the above advice is good. I still haven't found the magic treat for mine yet. They're interested in what I have ,but just peck at it, they really don't eat it and get bored after a few minutes. Lately I've been spending time with them before I put them up for the night. They seem really relaxed then and calm. They're about 8-12 weeks and have started jumping in my lap, I just sit in a chair and talk to them and they come to me! Good luck!