Taming 4 Week Olds!

[Coturnix Quail]

Alright, thanks! I took all of my chicks and let them run around. I noticed that they started to hop and fly a bit and wouldn't obey me as much. Is that normal? Also, today my BR Bantam baby came slowly when I tapped! My Blue Cochin still won't come though But, so far all is well!

 

[Chicken Chat]

I don't think it is possible to control them very much or make them obey. It's like herding cats. I have 6 that are almost 5 weeks old that I raised in the house, and they are in an adjacent fenced area to get used to the rest of the flock and when I let them out of their little coop in the mornings they go nuts running and flapping and caring on. They are just happy to have outside time so when yours hop and fly around, it's normal. Sit on the ground or squat down with them, you are a big scary person to them, you need to get down on their level. I was squatting down to refill their water jar this morning and one of mine flew up and landed on my shoulder and another jumped up to perch on my knee. Get them used to being held and messed with. It will make things so much easier down the road to clip toenails or check for mites and things.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Okay, thanks! Is it okay if I just feed them regular chicken grit and instead crush it for them? I can't seem to find chick grit anywhere I try to be level, but every time I am, I have to literally lie down because they're so little! I can't believe they're already a month old

 

[Chicken Chat]

At a month old, you may be able to get away with the regular grit. If not, you could probably break some up with a hammer or something.

 

[centrarchid]

Something is very amiss here, very. Even chicks less than 24 hours post-hatch should eat meal worms and by day two with gusto!

Show pictures of chicks.

Go buy a fresh bag of chick starter.

 

[chickjoy11]

I'd be concerned about the lethargic chicks also. Why can't they eat mealworms? I have a few chicks that are all over me when I go in to tend them. They've discovered that I give a mean wattle and facial massage. When I put them down, they are climbing back up my pant leg for more. I think that some of it is breed related. And, they know that I am the food bringer. IMO, it does not hurt chicks to have the food bowl get empty now and then. An empty food bowl will turn the chicks into your best friend.

You massage them? Never thought of that but I have two 3 week olds that need some attention. The 2.5 month olds need some too. Just introduced scratch to the older babies yesterday. They didn't get it yet, but loved the grass! I'm afraid to let them free range yet. Don't trust them to come back to the coop.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

They're all growing fine, and they try to pick at the mealworms, but I guess sometimes its just too tough? I use Purina starter/grower. I'll post pics as soon as possible. My Buff Orpington pecks at my hands instead of the mealworms, really hard. A

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to order some grit

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Also, I have a 50lb bag of starter thats only half-way through.

 

[lazy gardener]

You massage them? Never thought of that but I have two 3 week olds that need some attention. The 2.5 month olds need some too. Just introduced scratch to the older babies yesterday. They didn't get it yet, but loved the grass! I'm afraid to let them free range yet. Don't trust them to come back to the coop.

Yep. Many of them like to have their jaw lines/wattles, comb, and around their eyes/ears massaged. (very lightly)

 

[happybooker1]

I too have 4 week old chicks: 18 mixed Exchequer Leghorns, Sumatras, Egyptian Fayomis, Sicilian Buttercups, Lavender Ameraucanas, Red Stars. They used to shriek and run away from me in a panic every time I walked by their coop. THEN I started meal worms. Now they follow me around trying to jump and grab at my hands to see if I'll give them something tasty. I can't get away from them!!

I also rip up clumps of weeds/grass to throw in the coop for them. By the next day, it's all gone.