Looking for the best ways to raise chickens as a pet

[nwelchster]

we have three bantam chicks about a week old. I have them in a dog kennel with the heat lamp in our bathroom. Wondering what are some things I can do to help tame them for my daughter while she's away at school every day. We clean their cage twice a day. And make sure we hold them at least an hour a day. Was thinking about putting a radio in the bathroom so they can get used to voices. Any other ideas?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Oh yes! I remember wanting pets out of all my chickens when they were young too. Here's the best way I found to tame them:
Week One and Two
Start socializing chicks as soon as possible. I found that by taping my voice on my ipod and then playing it for my chicks helped them get acquainted and comfortable with my voice much faster than they otherwise would have been. When speaking, remember to talk softly, soothingly and quietly. If you ever have heard how a mother hen talks to her chicks, she clucks softly and makes purring sounds. Try and sound the same way. Hold them every day. Sometimes whenever you reach into the brooder, your chicks will more than likely scatter and freak out. This is normal behavior. They assume your hand is a predator (like a swooping hawk) and have the immediate instinct to hide. So try and reach in slowly while speaking and then slowly grab the chick you want. If your chicks still seem very frightened then put your hand in the brooder often. Talk to them but don't touch them. Soon they might even come and stand in your hand. You can also try putting feed in your hand so they soon will associate your voice and hand with food.
Around day 2, get the chicks out of the brooder for a small field trip each day on the living room floor. Be very careful when holding and moving chicks out of the brooder that they don't fall to the ground or you don't drop them. The first thing they are going to do is run to your lap. At this point in their lives, they have to trust you. You are removing them from their home brooder and returning them safely. They will seem a bit frightened. But this helps them to bond with you. Get them out each day on the floor for some exercise for 10 or so minutes. Gradually they will leave your lap to explore and learn to not be afraid of new things. This really helps them to bond with you. They learn that you are a place of great safety.
After about one week, if the weather warrants it, I like to get them outside for some outdoor time too. Make sure the temperature is at least in the upper 50's, no wind and some nice sunshine. Always keep them in an enclosure so they don't disappear and to keep them safe from predators. Keep it short at first so they don't get too stressed. Sit with them just as you did on the living room floor.

Week Three through Seven
This is that age that your chicks will start acting crazy! They are hyper, curious and busy all day! They probably will no longer be interested in their daily cuddles. So, this is the time to train them to come when you call. Take them outside and call them by using "Girls, Chickies, Come," or any other short, quick call. They will follow you closely. But also know that they will probably stop often to investigate something new or even take a quick nap in the sun! So be patient!
They will be fun to watch! Sometimes they flap their wings as they chase after you! At the end of the day when they have worn themselves out you can cuddle and hold them. Maybe even put them on a towel on your lap while you watch TV!

Week Eight and Beyond
Continue the calling and cuddling. Start feeding kitchen scraps at week eight. Hand feed them. Your chickens will soon learn that only good things come from you. If you raise your chicks to be friendly from the start then you will have friendly chickens till the end. Plus they will be much easier to work with at shows and if you plan on teaching them tricks.

Also note the breeds you have picked out. If they tend to be friendly and docile, this whole taming process will be much easier.

 

[nwelchster]

Wow! Thank you. Very helpful tips. I think I have attached a picture of their current living condition. We let them out every night to run around in the bathroom.

 

[nwelchster]

A few days ago I put in a box with shavings in it to be their mini Brooder and they seem to like it. I have one that consistently has poop stuck to her bottom area. I clean her butt area with warm water twice a day. Is that normal?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

A few days ago I put in a box with shavings in it to be their mini Brooder and they seem to like it. I have one that consistently has poop stuck to her bottom area. I clean her butt area with warm water twice a day. Is that normal?

Sounds like pasty butt. One of mine had it too. Clean their butts with warm water as you are doing. Apply coconut oil or vaseline. Make SURE they are drinking even if that means dipping their beaks in water. The issue should go away in a few days.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I find that too much heat can cause pasty butt, so make sure they are not too warm.

 

[nwelchster]

Thanks for all the tips! So glad I joined this group.