Should I play with my chicks

JBarringerNC · Dec 12, 2012

I've got 4 chicks that I recently hatched from my 1st Homemade Incubator. They're 8 days old, growing so fast and I've got them together in the brooder.

I would like to be able to pick up and hold my chickens without having to run them down in the future.
My question is, should I play with my chicks daily... or should I wait to handle them until their a little older??

Whats the best way to make these chicks very tame?

Kevin565 · Dec 12, 2012

If you are hoping to have them somewhat "Tame" I would handle them now as much as possible.

Mr MKK FARMS · Dec 12, 2012

That is how you tame them!

chiqita · Dec 12, 2012

Just don't play with them so much they get chilled. And once you succumb to their charm and start feeding them treats, make sure they have access to chick grit.

centrarchid · Dec 12, 2012

Sadly I am well versed in this. First, avoid picking up chicks as in grabbing them, allow them to walk over and perch on you. Do no separate group as that causes stress. Secondly, I use mealworms as an enticement. Encourage chicks to take mealworms from your fingers. Initial stages I do by sitting down next to brooder and tossing in one mealworm at a time. Then make them come to hand. Patience and move slowly!!!!!.

I have done this multiple times to train birds to do all sorts of thing. Some were trained when called by name and would fly good distances to reach me. Some birds are now taken to train kids and birds need to be calm for this to work.

See following thread and youtube links for examples of what they can be trained to do.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/388547/training-chickens-for-voluntary-flight