Question

[kellsie90]

This might be a really stupid question but oh well lol. I'm trying to figure out how to make our baby chicks friendly to people? I don't even know if that's possible. We have had them for a week and they are not very friendly already, they seem frightened of people

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Chickens tend to be afraid of things that come at them from above. So if you catch coming over them and grabbing they may act afraid. It helps to put your hands in slowly and scoop them up from under them or let them climb onto your hand that you lay down nearby. Letting them peck the crumble from you hands can help, too.

 

[The Chickeneer]

All chicks are scared of people at first, but they will soon get used to you feeding everyday, and won't mind you when they get older. If you wan't them really tame, have your kids, or you could do it yourself, just pick up the chicks and place them on your lap (make sure to put a rag down first because they tend to poop a lot). As long as the chicks get used to you being there, then they will be friendly when they are older. Give them treats often, so when they see you coming, they get exited and know that treats are coming. Just handling them every so often will get them to become friendly, don't play/handle them too much though.

 

[nailladi]

Hello, I am kinda new so forgive me for being a little blut..

But on the other hand chickens, ducks, especially guineas are skiddish for their own protection, mine would run up whenever I came into the yard but I had someone take advantage of that while I was away. I came back to find most of the favorites missing, the folk who "cared" for them were seen at the sale every weekend... So you need to deside if you really want them friendly...Sorry to be the party pooper...

 

[kellsie90]

We live in the country so I don't see anyone stealing the chickens. I get what your saying though

 

[shmccarthy]

I'm working on making my chicks friendly and I've found a few things that work. I put my hand in the brooder and talk to them and let them get used to my voice.
And I know this sounds kinda bad but someone told me to do it and they liked it.. I took some hard boiled eggs and crumbled it up and let them try it and they went nuts over it! I put some in my hand and they started eating out of my hand.
I continue to hand feed them all every day, while still talking to them, and most of them prefer to eat out of my hand now.
They all range in age from 5-8 weeks and they're outside because its nice out. When they see me they all run to the wall of the run and jump all over my feet. I sit down in the coop and put some in my lap while feeding them and talking to them. My babies are becoming more people friendly every day!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Cooked eggs are a good treat for chicks. It is easily digestible protein, and you don't necessarily need to add scratch to their diet to feed them that treat. I always add a few extra eggs in when I scramble them to give some to my chickens even now that they are grown.

 

[HeatherEmme]

I totally get it. I'm working on this as well. I recently got 3 two week old chicks and they all act pretty much like a bunch of chickens (pun intended) when I come around.

They really enjoy (well, I guess they do) the sound of DH's voice. When he speaks they all get real quiet and look at him with their 'eye'. Me? not so much. Something about me must strike them as mass murderer. This could be because the hatchery we bought them from was run by a father and son duo.

I guess we'll just attempt treats for now and maybe soon my status with them will go from 'run for your life' to 'hey, she's not half bad'.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I totally get it. I'm working on this as well. I recently got 3 two week old chicks and they all act pretty much like a bunch of chickens (pun intended) when I come around.

They really enjoy (well, I guess they do) the sound of DH's voice. When he speaks they all get real quiet and look at him with their 'eye'. Me? not so much. Something about me must strike them as mass murderer. This could be because the hatchery we bought them from was run by a father and son duo.

I guess we'll just attempt treats for now and maybe soon my status with them will go from 'run for your life' to 'hey, she's not half bad'.

I think I have read that they like low pitched soft voices. Mine seem to get more excited when I speak in a high register, but they calm down when I speak in a deeper voice. I think it has something to do with the mother's soothing clucks are low, and chicken alarm calls are high pitched.