Am I or are my chicks more terrified ?!

[member 615286]

My 3 silkie chicks are nearing 7 weeks. Feeling so defeated.

I was reluctant to pick them up when brought home at 3.5 weeks; they were terrified. And then learned they are supposed to be handled from much younger. Working on it but their comfort with me is regressing. Feeling anxious I’m traumatizing them in my effort to condition them to be comforable being held.
I’ve read everything on this topic.
Just looking for some encouragement, rather than advice

 

[Kiki]

Don't worry about not starting to handle them sooner.

All chickens go through a phase where they are terrified of everything.

Give them a few more weeks and they will calm down again.

 

[member 615286]

Don't worry about not starting to handle them sooner.

All chickens go through a phase where they are terrified of everything.

Give them a few more weeks and they will calm down again.

Thank you Kiki

 

[saysfaa]

I empathize, I'm with my first chicks too, so have nothing else to offer. Good luck!

 

[The Moonshiner]

Relax
They can smell fear.

 

[member 615286]

Relax
They can smell fear.

Very encouraging, thank you.

 

[Erin80]

I find silkies especially go through a big terrified phase. Ours have always been the same. They chill out as they grow and become super sweet! Just gotta wait it out

 

[member 615286]

I find silkies especially go through a big terrified phase. Ours have always been the same. They chill out as they grow and become super sweet! Just gotta wait it out

Thanks Erin

 

[1cock2hens]

You got this! Silkies are naturally easy to tame, just do what's comfortable