My baby chicks are so scared of me

[Lorcanfeely]

My baby chicks are so scared of me. When I put my hand near them they start jumping everywhere, is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

 

[Perris]

It is normal instincts. Think about it from their perspective. Your hand may look like a talon about to grab them and whisk them off to eat.

Approach from their level, not from above. Move slowly. Put your hand flat on the ground. Be patient. In time they will come close.

 

[Squawkers]

Don’t worry!! Just be patient, and spend time with them daily. I always leave my hand in the brooder for a long time, (usually while I’m reading a book or something, about 15-30 minutes at a time) and just let them explore it on their own terms. It usually only takes a couple of days for them to start sleeping on my hand and jump on my hand every time I put it in.

 

[Muser]

Always feed them treats from an open palm and dont always try to pick them up, they will learn the big scary talon thing that comes by is something to look forward to, not be afraid of

 

[SandyRiverChick]

This is a very excellent article that changed everything I do raising chicks. Since making important changes like making sure I have my brooder set up so that I can interact with the chicks from their level and not from over their heads, I almost regret how much they like me! It's a total game changer where they used to be afraid of me and now they won't leave me alone, they're completely comfortable with me from the start. Hope you enjoy it. I've learned SO much from Azygous. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/

 

[ChikaInu]

This is a very excellent article that changed everything I do raising chicks. Since making important changes like making sure I have my brooder set up so that I can interact with the chicks from their level and not from over their heads, I almost regret how much they like me! It's a total game changer where they used to be afraid of me and now they won't leave me alone, they're completely comfortable with me from the start. Hope you enjoy it. I've learned SO much from Azygous. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/

This!
I hatched my pheasants in my flat and the brooder was up on eye level. I spent tons of time with them.
They are now five months old and live outside but whenever I go to see them and then leave them they yell after me as i they are still chicks and I their mother hen.
It is quite stressful.
If I could I would keep them in the house and I am convinced they would sleep in the bed.

 

[ChikaInu]

 

[Squawkers]

View attachment 3946057

That is soo cute!!!!

 

[ChikaInu]

That is soo cute!!!!

Haha, they are! They are bigger now, but just as friendly.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

How often do you socialize with them? Do you hold them at all? Maybe you aren't doing anything wrong and it's just the breed