I'm raising my first batch of chicks -- 15 pullets of various breeds + the mystery chick (I think silver-spangled Wyandotte roo) from McMurray. I got them Monday, which would make them 5 days old today, Thursday.
I noticed that on day 2 they were less trusting than the day I got them. So I've started hand-feeding them a little almost every time I have to go into the brooder to do something. They now mob my hand, jump on, peck the food (started with dandelion and clover flower petals, but was getting some loose stools, so switched to oatmeal for treats). A few have grabbed a bit of hand and tried to pull, and I gently but firmly flick them in the beak for that, and it seems to get the message across without frightening them too much.
So -- good idea? Bad idea? I want the chickens to be tame and amenable to handling, but not overly familiar, pushy, or aggressive. They are here to be layers, not really pets.
I'm also picking them up and holding them. No idea whether I'm getting everyone in rotation every day. I have three each of five breeds.
Second question: inspired by the entertaining bedlam when a singed fly fell into the brooder, I've been tossing June bugs into the brooder in the evenings. Last night the dispute over the two bugs seemed a bit over-the-top, and it took a long time for the peeps to settle. I was wondering whether I ought to hold off on the exciting ambulatory treats until they move to larger quarters. Or else collect enough June bugs for everyone? Opinions?
I noticed that on day 2 they were less trusting than the day I got them. So I've started hand-feeding them a little almost every time I have to go into the brooder to do something. They now mob my hand, jump on, peck the food (started with dandelion and clover flower petals, but was getting some loose stools, so switched to oatmeal for treats). A few have grabbed a bit of hand and tried to pull, and I gently but firmly flick them in the beak for that, and it seems to get the message across without frightening them too much.
So -- good idea? Bad idea? I want the chickens to be tame and amenable to handling, but not overly familiar, pushy, or aggressive. They are here to be layers, not really pets.
I'm also picking them up and holding them. No idea whether I'm getting everyone in rotation every day. I have three each of five breeds.
Second question: inspired by the entertaining bedlam when a singed fly fell into the brooder, I've been tossing June bugs into the brooder in the evenings. Last night the dispute over the two bugs seemed a bit over-the-top, and it took a long time for the peeps to settle. I was wondering whether I ought to hold off on the exciting ambulatory treats until they move to larger quarters. Or else collect enough June bugs for everyone? Opinions?