Nice Chicken?

[creedatticus]

we have silkies and some other varieties is chicks, and i was wondering what the best way to have them grow into nice chickens? they are about a week old and they hate being touched, and run away from your hand. how do we get them to not be scared, and be cuddly?

 

[Chicken56288]

Well the best advice I could give you is hold them every day and get them used to you and once they start getting big you can move them outside but still try to maintain your bond with them

 

[SilverBirds]

Spend time with them daily. Talking to them and just being near them so they get used to seeing and hearing you. The best way to when any animals heart is by food. I like to start hand feeding mine ASAP. I put a little but of their food in my hands and rest it in the brooder. I wait for them to come to me. Eventually they'll come walk around on your hand and peck at the food. If they are scared of being picked up then don't pick them up. Hands are big and scary. To them they're being swooped up by a hawk and are about to be devoured. Not saying you can never pick them up but It'll take time for them to get comfortable with you.

 

[Folly's place]

Chicks are not puppies or kittens, and are afraid of being held, or swooped down on from above, if that's how your brooder is set up. As above, spend time just being there, food next to your hand and in your hand, and give it time.
Some chickens will accept being held, and many will come to hang out around you, but don't appreciate handling. And cockerels benefit, IMO, by more of a 'hands off' approach, rather than trying to have them be pets. At least until you have more experience, and can read them better.
Mary