imprinting

[Whistling Badger]

Hello again. Is it true that chicks will "imprint" on the first living thing they see?

If so, what exactly does this mean? Does it matter? Has anyone tried getting chicks to imprint on the family dog to help with predator control?

Just wondering.

Tom

 

[Haviris]

I would say it's not true. I hatched some goslings when I was a kid and they imprinted on me, they'd go swimming with me and ride on my back, but I've hatched several chicks and ducks and haven't had any imprint on me, don't know if it's a goose thing or just something I'm doing different, but it's just not been my experience.

I guess if you had the time to spend several hours a day holding or letting them sit with you maybe it would happen!

 

[Whistling Badger]

I kind of suspected that. Just as well--the dog stalks us enough without the chickens doing it too!

Tom

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

Ducks imprint too. Just not as well as geese. Chicks don't imprint.

 

[85shadow]

I have 10 wild turkey eggs in my incubator. Will they imprint on me? Will they ever be ready to be released in the wild (if they DO hatch!)?