My chicks hate me!!!!!...what am I doing wrong?

[MaKettle]

I read somewhere else on a thread that just because we want to stroke & pet our chickens, perhaps like we might do to a dog or a cat, doesnt' mean that THEY want us to do that. My chickens really do not like to be held (though I touch, hold, and interact with them every day). They DO like to stand in my hand or on my arms, legs, & shoulder. I find that only 2 of them will tolerate being tucked under my arm or held.

With one hand, reach under their belly and scoop them up while the other hand catches their feet, allowing them to stand up. Then move the hand from their belly to around the side at their wings. ( I hope that makes sense) Combine that with treats & a soft voice!!

Good luck!

 

[noodleroo]

I have info on taming on my page. Try it and see if it helps then let us know....

 

[elmo]

Mealworms have always been a big hit with our chicks.

 

[HappyTalons]

Quote:
Our Chicks are CRAZY for freeze dried mealworms but it took some doing to get them to figure it out. Had to crush them up and hold them out on my fingertips. After a while they learned that whole mealworms were the same thing.
I notice there are a lot of foods that, for some reason I need to hold in my hands and break into small pieces.

They'll also eat turkey cold cuts, scrambled egg (must be in tiny pieces for small chicks), sometimes worms though we had mixed results with them.
Also, munched on pieces of sweet corn were a real hit. Again I had to coax the chicks into trying the treat with a little picking up and holding of the food items, but eventually they got it.
Bits of apple sometimes work as do pieces of bread.

 

[mmeoww]

Quote:
So glad you asked this! I need an answer for this too.

-cs

I'd love an answer too. I did learn that searching for how to "pick up chicks" on the internet yields some very interesting results...but wasn't exactly what I was looking for!!!

We are first time chick owners, they are 5-6 weeks old now and none of them like being held - but some are getting more friendly as we have started bringing treats. Their handsdown favorite is live meal worms from the pet store, they go nuts. They've also really liked mashed up ripe banana and tomato slices. It seems weird for me to give them eggs so haven't tried that yet...really appreciate everyone's suggestions!

 

[write2caroline]

Our first batch of chicks were very friendly - would sit in our hands, suckered us into wanting more....the second batch all but one was even remotely curious about us and none would willingly come sit with us. Now they are all grown and the first batch one went broody and she lets me pet her and give her treats but isn't remotely happy if I pick her up and the barred rock from the second batch is still curious but none would willingly sit on my lap. In fact the rooster hates me.
I still love them
Caroline

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:

Try searching for "chicken nipples" - for the watering devices. After a bit of shock, I changed it to "poultry watering nipples" with limited success. But now I know exactly where to go to find the items I *did* want.

 

[4urbanchicks]

I tried holding them as recommended in the book "City Chicks", which recommends holding them with 2 fingers under the chest, with there head facing you, and there legs actually hanging down. I have to put my other hand over the wings so they do not flap around, and it seemed to work. Has anybody tried this method successfully without supporting the feet. My barred rock even closed her eyes and relaxed for a moment, so maybe it may work better than holding them facing away from you supporting their feet with one hand, and covering the wings with the other.

 

[noodleroo]

Oh yes, I do it all the time with mine. At almost 4 wks, they are getting too big to hold in one hand any other way.

 

[4urbanchicks]

Quote:
I did! I used your taming advice when the babies were smaller.