My chick poops in my hand!!

[adeechickluv]

My chicks don't like me to pick them up? When I finally catch one, she poops in my hand, for the 3rd time!!

She has taught the others this strategy as well, and it works fairly well I have to admit. I have to go get a tissue and put her back in the brooder. They run away if I try to get near them! I've heard the more you hold them when they're young the happier they'll be when they're older... how can I do that when they all run away from me??

 

[PunkinPeep]

You just keep catching them.

Also, try feeding them when you catch them. If they learn to associate you with food, you will own their affections.

And i also recommend steering your hand position clear of their bums.

hilarious

 

[chicmom]

That's normal. You just have to persist and they will get used to it. Try just putting food in your hand, and holding it out to them while they're in their broode. Just be very still and they'll be eating out of your hand in no time!

Ya just gotta have patience!

 

[mistyfeather]

i started mine by hand feeding them while they were in the brooder, the will eventualy start sitting on your hand ,wrist and arm to eat their food, they will perch on your finger to eat and you can lift them up and move them around, do that every time you go to fill feeders and they will get used to it very quicly. now all 18 of mine are used to it and even my 4 and 6 yr olds can pick them up. some times it isnt the being held part they dont like its the movement that they dont like( think of going down a steep hill in your car fast- that feeling in your stomack) try sitting and placing them in your lap some will like that much better.

 

[907chicken]

i got to agree with the treat method... The way to a chickens heart is through its stomach Mine picked up on the treat thing in short order. Now to just get them to quit pecking at my hand when I dont have treats. But most of mine will settle down now and enjoy a good neck scratch when I dont have treats.

 

[Supermommy486]

Oooh good to know!

 

[Morgan7782]

Same thing happened here, when I first got my chicks they would poop when I held them. Another thing to keep in mind is I don't think chickens have a sphincter (not spelled right) and can't 'hold' their bowels. So don't take it personally lol. I took it as approval when it happened to me, and now one of my chicks climbs to my shoulder, and doesn't poop. I might just be lucky, but.. "shoot happens" right? lol

 

[BriteChicken]

If you put them down when they poo in your hand they will associate it with being put down and do it all the time they get held so what I suggest is wipe it off with a tissue but keep holding them once they relax in your hand give them a treat try rubbing their belly softly to get them to relax they'll turn on their backs and their little feet will shake it's so funny! now all my chicks atomatically lean into my hand...

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

I remember my son once holding his favorite half grown chicken, who was very content in his lap, and suddenly she began struggling to get away and get down but the boy did not want to let her and...well, she had a reason to want to get down.

The chicks much prefer being petted with their feet firmly on the ground. Just be patient and persistent, moving slowly and speaking softly.

 

[adeechickluv]

Haha, nice stories!!

What do you suggest for treats? We tried with scratch and its too big for them ...