My chicks won't tame :(

[Crehan]

I have lately got 10, 3 week old Australorp chicks.

Since I've got them I was the only one feeding them and playing with them for about an hour every day and just being in their presence for hours. They eat out of my hand and come running when I scream "Kos kos kos!" but when I try to pick them up they start peeping and flapping their wings. And they are sort of scared of me in a way. I am very gentle with them and patient.

Can anyone tell me if they will ever tame?
And if they will, how long will it take for them to get totally used to me and allow them to pick them up etc?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Their natural instinct is to fear anything and everything. This is a survival instinct. You are HUGE from their perspective. Give them time.

 

[bucky52]

just give them time.mine would run and squark when i tried to pet them.right before they started laying they would do the squat thing.and then they let me pick them up.

 

[chics in the sun]

Mine all got tamer once they reached laying age. Just keep handling them and giving them food and treats. They'll return the love eventually.

 

[theoldchick]

The majority of chickens are not the cuddling kind. Even if they are imprinted on a human, instinct tells a chick to keep their feet on the ground at all times. Instinct tells them to run from the giant thing hovering over them (Hawk attack!). When chicks first hatch their vision is very limited and can see what is in front of them. At this age they are more concerned what is just in front of their beak. This encourages foraging behavior to search out food. As they age their vision improves, and they become very aware of loud noises, things coming toward them, and hands (claws) reaching for them. At 2-3 weeks chicks explode in a frienzy and zip all over the place. 3-4 weeks they zip, freeze in place, and pretend they are invisible. At 4-6 weeks they fling themselves wildly to avoid capture.

If you want to make friends with chicks you have to get on the floor/ground with them and put yourself on their level. Move slowly, keep your voice soft, and give them treats. But always remember it is not their nature to be petted or cuddled by a hand.

Allow them to explore your body with what they have:

As they get older they get braver (better vision)

Never forget what they are: chickens!

 

[Alumentum]

I was having the same issue with my barnevelder chick. I just used treats and let her get used to standing on my hand while it was on the ground. Slowly I'd lift my hand up and over time she's gotten to where she flies to my shoulder. Just takes patience.

 

[new2chickens2011]

My Australorp, "Ruth", was very skittish and even mean at first, until she was about 8 weeks old. Now she is quiet, sweet, pretty, and lovable. DOn't worry! They'll come around

 

[Crehan]

Thanks for your advice guys!

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

Quote:
EXCELLENT TUTORIAL! I love it

I have a small flock of 13 chickens, all bantams. Some are flighty, untouchable. Some would rather be mistaken for a lap poodle. I would venture to say that one adored me (he's on a farm with his own family now) and daily flew into my arms for lovin'. I like what theoldchick says, "Never forget what they are: chickens!" I try to respect their individual nature, give them a little of whatever they seem to want. I'm not very demanding. I'd say, if your chickens never warm up to being pets, respect that. Then, shop around for chickens who love being pets, and add on to your flock with those!