My chicks are pecking at me! Help!

[SonShine]

One of my RIR's is friendlier than the other, same for Australorps and Buff Opringtons. As far as breeds the Australorps are the friendliest. My Barred Rock and Wyandottes were a 9 days old when I got them and have been harder to train them to me. But I spend twice a day bringing each one out alone onto a towel and spend time touching, talking, holding, hand feeding them. I also go into the room where I house them at least 8 times a day and talk with them as a group, calling their names. I still have a couple that I ave to corner in order to retrieve but almost all of my 10 will sit on my hand or arm and when I try to push them off onto the towel they gently fight with me to stay on my arm.

 

[Alex15]

My chicks are about the same age. I have four different breeds and I've been picking them up and patting them since they were one day olds and they're all pretty mellow with me. My silkies actually hated me the most but the other day I caught one and held him and patted him til he chilled out and he actually fell asleep in my arms like he did when he was palm sized. My wellsummers are also sometimes a bit skittish but even those if I catch them and sit them on me and give them pats on the back and after a minute or two they relax and fluff up and sit on me still when I let them go. The patting actually does seem to soothe them, so maybe you could give that a try. It is so sweet when they fluff up on you as if they're sitting on eggs and enjoy your petting!

 

[mtnviewfarms]

RIR's and White Leghorns ( I'm just guessing that your white ones may be WLs ) are two of the least friendly to people breeds out there - IMHO.

RIR's are my least favorite birds as the one's I've had are mean - to me and the other breed pullets in the flock. WL's lay very large white eggs and
lots of them but are very 'flighty' and nervous birds by nature and don't want to be handled.

Next time try Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps - both breeds are gorgeous, very fluffy, like people and are good with other breeds and fit in well
in the pecking order. BO's can sometimes be too timid and other breeds - like RIR's ( which is why I won't have them again ) push them around and
are bullys of the bunch.

All chickens peck - that's just what they do - try not to take it personally. Good luck with your new coop and the birds.

 

[AliNaz]

Did they outgrow the pecking? Some of my 6 week olds are pecking at me when I refill their food and water. I'm hoping it is something that they will outgrow.