My babies chics hate me

[ChickenMelZ]

Goodmorning! I'm excited to be a part of a thread that I can learn and grow from.

I have chickens I bought in April, which are very friendly. I then had half attacked so I got a straight run from a friend. Both are well
I bought 15 more in MO mailed to me. I have had them a month. I hope I haven't ruined them. They are scared every time I go near them. I'm trying to sit with them now, talk to them. I only touch from the side. Is there any other tips to help them trust me? I don't want them to be in fear. Thank you for any help!

 

[sylviethecochin]

Feed them from your hand. Just wait until their feeder runs out and then fill your cupped hands with feed and wait. You can also play the 'jumping game' which involves holding scratch above their heads until they jump for it.

The way to a hen's heart is through her stomach.

 

[ChickenMelZ]

Thank you! What is scratch??

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC They'll also like meal worms once they figure out what they are.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are so glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.



Scratch is like chips or candy for chickens.
If you choose to feed it, keep it to a very limited amount.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

 

[wyoDreamer]

Scratch is a mix of grains that is sold as a treat for birds.
The scratch sold around here is typically black oil sunflower seeds (also known as BOSS on this site), cracked corn and whole oats; with soy oil and something else I can't remember add to it.
My birds don't really like the whole oats so I buy a bag of cracked corn and a bag of sunflower seeds and mix those for a treat. (They LOVE oatmeal though)
Put a small amount in a metal tin and shake the tin when you go out to feed it to them. Call them if you want to train them to come when you call. Pretty soon they will come running when they see you.

 

[Kiki]

2 good things to read, when you have time:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production
and this thread:#1

 

[blackdust951]

helloand welcome to backyard chickens!thank you for joining us

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining us at Backyard chickens. Your chicks do not hate you, afraid yes, until they get used to you. Everything loves(to eat) chickens, so they have to be very cautious

 

[N F C]

It takes time and patience with chicks, you'll get there. You have some good tips here on your welcome thread to give you some ideas.

Thanks for joining us!