Stir Crazy in Brooder?

[Mini Meat]

No such thing as a silly question! Here's something you wouldn't have learned if you had removed your post. Wyandottes are typically a skittish breed, but it's normal for all chicks to become less compliant as they approach the three-week mark. Before that, most babies will permit you to handle them with little or no fuss.

You can minimize the skittishness by approaching them slowly on their level from the side. It's important not to give up at this age trying to tame them or else they will be impossible to handle as adults.

You can also gain their trust by sitting down on the ground and allowing them to climb and crawl on your legs and lap. Soon they will be working their way up to your head and shoulders. Entice them with meal worms. Use the same container and voice cue each time consistently and you will always be able to get them to come to you when you need to gather them up.

X2

I find that if I do not push them for a couple weeks they come around. Also HOW you handle them is important too. I hold my hand palm up and spread my fingers like a vulcan, slip my hand slowly under the bird letting the leg dangle as I lift. If they flap, I use my thumb and pinkie to gentle hold their wing and release as soon as they stop. Holding them in this way gives them nothing to struggle against and the warmth of my palm soon relaxes them. Oh, and a neck massage and preening works well (works well on me for that matter).