My chix hate me....

[NarleevilleClucks]

and i see on here that they will most likely chillax after they lay. My question is how badley does stress affect them? I don't like them up on ht edeck where we eat so I send my 9 year old son to shoo them off, they squalk and act traumatized and he doesn't even touch themor make any noise! I think I have wimpy chickens...but still I don't want them having heart attacks or anything!

Whatcha think?

 

[ColoradoMike]

They don't call 'em 'chickens' for nothing, eh?

My chicks didn't think much of me until I started giving them raspberries as treats - then the three hens really warmed up and now come to the gate when I walk out to see them. They'll even eat berries out of my hand now and two of them will jump up to get a treat. The roosters still want nothing to do with me - I have since unloaded one roo after it started crowing... the other probably won't last another week. No regrets, as they aren't at all friendly.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

It seems that all chicks go through that "freak out" stage in which they are afraid of people. Give them some time and build their trust and they will return to their loving selves.

 

[CityChook]

I'm sure they don't *hate* you. If you want to butter them up, give them treats. There is a great list of treats on Buff Hooligan's page.

Mine are extremely food motivated and follow me around the yard to see what goodies I can find for them to eat. They especially like to circle the fenced in garden while I'm out picking tomatoes as I often toss them the overly ripe cherry ones...