Sometimes it can be hard making friends with chicks! My group of araucanas hatched nearly four weeks ago, and I feel like I am not making much progress on most of them in taming. I do spend time with them everyday, mostly sitting with them quietly in the same room where the brooder is. I do open it up so they can wander over to interact with me if they choose, but don't force it. Only one always runs over to me, hopping in my lap or on my hands to be petted and held, usually falling asleep on me. I've named 'her' London. But the others are so aloof. Should I make sure to hold them everyday, even if just for a few minutes until them calm down? Most make unhappy chirps when they get picked up, but settle down soon (like when I clean their brooder, I have to pick them up to move them into a temporary box).
I have started to make them warm oatmeal in the evenings, just when their feeder has run out for the day (it is never empty long). I put the bowl right next to me so if they want the nummies, they have to come right up to me. Thus far it works, and they allow me to stroke them as they eat. But as soon as it is gone they run back to their brooder. Hopefully I can get them to learn I am big, but not scary!
I have started to make them warm oatmeal in the evenings, just when their feeder has run out for the day (it is never empty long). I put the bowl right next to me so if they want the nummies, they have to come right up to me. Thus far it works, and they allow me to stroke them as they eat. But as soon as it is gone they run back to their brooder. Hopefully I can get them to learn I am big, but not scary!
