My chicks hate me 😭

[tiawieclaw]

hi i have 8 healthy chicks about 3 weeks old and i’m trying to get them to like me and let me pick them up. they will take treats off my hands but when i pick them up and feed them treats in my hand they hate it and will freak out instead of eating the treat. i don’t know what i’m doing wrong. i know it takes a while to get them to trust you and i’m gentle when i hold them but they just don’t like me and i don’t know what to do. any advice helps!

 

[Hidrainja4]

First, your hand coming down towards them is a predator response. You are really a hawk that is going to eat them.
I would find a place and sit on the floor with them and just spend some time with them. You can read or sing or whatever. Very quickly they will just get use to you.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi there, I don't think your chicks hate you. They are chicks, and every chick starts out at least a little bit scared. Imagine: You are walking around, doing you thing, and suddenly a big hand comes down from the top and grabs you. Wouldn't we all be a little freaked out in that situation? Well, to start, talk softly and move slowly. That will help calm them down a lot.

Also, if it's possible - Make a fenced in area and let the chicks run around in it. Then sit down in the middle and just talk to them quietly and watch them. Don't try to pick them up. Get them used to you being around.

Hope this helps!

 

[layDmcG]

Welcome to chickens!! That's how they "roll". Don't take it personal.

I have had a broody mother hen kill most of her chicks but 1... that chick turned out like a pet. A racoon ate her, but nonetheless she was our "pet chicken" for 2 years.

Maybe you're better off letting them "flock" up...

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

First, your hand coming down towards them is a predator response. You are really a hawk that is going to eat them.
I would find a place and sit on the floor with them and just spend some time with them. You can read or sing or whatever. Very quickly they will just get use to you.

Hi there, I don't think your chicks hate you. They are chicks, and every chick starts out at least a little bit scared. Imagine: You are walking around, doing you thing, and suddenly a big hand comes down from the top and grabs you. Wouldn't we all be a little freaked out in that situation? Well, to start, talk softly and move slowly. That will help calm them down a lot.

Also, if it's possible - Make a fenced in area and let the chicks run around in it. Then sit down in the middle and just talk to them quietly and watch them. Don't try to pick them up. Get them used to you being around.

Hope this helps!

(Posts) I also find it helps if you squat down and approach them slowly with your hand. That way the see you coming, and don’t panic. You also tower over them less that way.

 

[reddogmaster2]

hi i have 8 healthy chicks about 3 weeks old and i’m trying to get them to like me and let me pick them up. they will take treats off my hands but when i pick them up and feed them treats in my hand they hate it and will freak out instead of eating the treat. i don’t know what i’m doing wrong. i know it takes a while to get them to trust you and i’m gentle when i hold them but they just don’t like me and i don’t know what to do. any advice helps!

Ease up and stop worrying about it, the chicks are just 3 weeks old and are tiny little things and you are a HUUUUUUGGGEEEE thing.

If you want to get a scared dog to come to you, ignore it and have some meaty treats and the dog will come to you.

Same with chicks, keep feeding them and being nice. Everyone loves "The Feeder"!

Try too hard and you come across looking like a douchebag. Nobody likes a douchebag!

Thanks