I dip my finger in their water and then into their food. Once they figured out that food was on my finger, they came running. Granted some are more spooked than others. But the spooked ones usually feel left out of all the excitement and come over. I also try to just sit by the brooder so they understand that when they see me, I'm not always going to pick them up. My husband usually says "Peep, peep, peep" to them when he walks nearby. This gets their attention, so I did this from day one. Now every time I go near them I call them and they now come over to me. (Well, most of the time!)
They do have different moods, so some days they are happy to see me and be picked up. Other days they don't. But I do try to hold them each (I have 6) daily. I tempt them with the food on my finger and pick them up. I will take one at a time away from the brooder and sit with them - peeping at them.
All but one will settle down and nap on me.
The funny thing is the one that does not settle down is my Silkie!! My little Golden Sebright (I hope that is what it is!) sits right down and enjoys being held! Go figure!
Just try being around them as much as your schedule allows. Treats help too. It takes time for them to warm up to us giants! Good luck!
They do have different moods, so some days they are happy to see me and be picked up. Other days they don't. But I do try to hold them each (I have 6) daily. I tempt them with the food on my finger and pick them up. I will take one at a time away from the brooder and sit with them - peeping at them.
The funny thing is the one that does not settle down is my Silkie!! My little Golden Sebright (I hope that is what it is!) sits right down and enjoys being held! Go figure!
Just try being around them as much as your schedule allows. Treats help too. It takes time for them to warm up to us giants! Good luck!
