We ordered 26 chicks and I had this problem. The only chicks that got handled early on were the ones with pasty butt. I would sit in front of the brooder every day, several times a day and over time they would come over to me. But if I put my hand in to fill the feeder/water or clean things out, they would all huddle in the furthest corner and cry like something really awful was happening. Once they moved out to their coop/run things have only gotten better. Someone on here said you can't pick your favorite, they pick you. This is totally true. When I first moved them out to their coop, I literally sat in the coop, on the pine shavings, and allowed them to climb/walk all over them. Then slowly started to gently touch them as they climbed on me. I sit out in my run with the girls for at least an hour a day. I usually go down there in the afternoon to deliver their treats for the day and sit to watch them. When they're done, several will jump up on my chair and snuggle in. I make it a point to gently touch each one to help them get used to my hands. Certain ones have no fear with me while others are still getting used to me (they are 7 weeks old now) They all have different likes and dislikes. Some like to be picked up, while others don't. I would definitely hand feed your little chicks now to help them associate your hands with only positive things. It's hard to handle each chick several times a day when there's 20 of them but slowly work with them. Like I said, I didn't really notice them start coming around until they were in their coop. Hope this info helps!
