Our new little ones--question about daily petting routine

[Graiae66]

New Chick Mom's excitement is infectious (I can't believe I'm posting chick pictures, lol). Today, we got our 6 Australorps and 6 Buff Orpingtons. They are just adorable. I guess I am a weirdo in that while I think little critters are cute (puppies, kitten, kids), I enjoy them more when they get to be about 8-10 in human years, lol. I think adolescent and adult birds are beautiful, too, in other words...

I'm going to swing by Wallyworld and grab a couple of red lights tomorrow--less glare for the girls. Also, I've been gently picking up chicks from underneath every day (we also have a quartet of slightly older chicks in the 2nd brooder) and stroking them gently and talking to them. They don't like it much! Just keep on doing this? I assume they get a little more used to you as they get older, and you are more familiar? Thanks! And congrats to all the other new chick moms and dads!

dee

 

[warmwater]

Hi...welcome! When I get new chicks I hold them and talk to them several times a day. It's good to get them use to being picked up and handled....let them eat feed out of your hand. Taking the time now is worth it. When they get bigger/older it's so nice when they run up to you and you can pick them up to pet them. I feel they are calmer adults. Enjoy your little ones.

 

[Graiae66]

Thanks! I'll just keep up the daily talking and petting.

dee

 

[Chirpy]

All of our chicks are held/petted almost every day by myself and/or my children (under supervision). All of them can be picked up as adults, most are very, very friendly.

 

[Mahonri]

It helps if you could give them a treat at the same time.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

Keep petting them. I pet my first set of chicks, and they beleive i am their Momma. The second set had no contact with me, and always run away.

 

[Graiae66]

Wow, another Buckeroo Banzai fan! Yes, I hope to get some bugs and worms Friday...

Thanks,

dee