New Chicks...vs Road Trip??

[Campesina]

I am getting 6 new chicks on Wed or Thurs and had planned on an overnight trip for Friday and Sat.
I want my chicks to bond with me.

Will they bond with me (imprint) in just a day or two if I have someone else feed them for the next 2 days??

I am thinking of cancelling our trip to bond with the new chicks.

All advice is welcome.

 

[rpchris]

Take the trip. You can always buy their affection later with treats.

 

[Hawkeye95]

Quote:
Here's MY experience, I'm sure everyone has different views. My most loving bird is my turkey, and she was raised for the first 5 weeks by someone else entirely. I got her when she was still a fluff ball, and she bonded with me quite well. In fact, she follows me around, jumps on my shoulder and the crazy thing even 'grooms' my hair! It didn't matter one bit that she spent her first 5 weeks with someone else loving on her. I think 2 days of someone else feeding your chicks won't faze them in the least. Go on your trip and love on them when you get back. It's up to their own individual personalities how they will grow up.

 

[KDailey]

I agree. Take the trip. It takes just a a day or two to get the little fluffy butts to like you. All you need is....TREATS!! Mine go bonkers for bread.

 

[Campesina]

You Guys Rock !!!
Thanks To All Of You !!

 

[mikecnorthwest]

Just put a picture of yourself at the edge of the brooder... they'll never know you left.

 

[Time-Out]

Quote:
*spits tea out*

Get a cardboard cut-out of yourself!

 

[SteveBaz]

take the trip and feel free to enjoy yourself. My girls are 9 weeks and they are now getting friendly enough to touch love and hold. Trust is earned and it takes time way more than the 2 days going on your trip.

Steve

 

[RGBistro]

I thought I screwed up with my first batch of chicks when I didn't offer them hand-fed treats (and win them over) until they were about 4 weeks old.

They still love me.