They dont love me.

[ButchGood]

Mine were a little standoffish until this weekend. I introduced them to the outside word and more importantly, "LIVE MEAL WORMS". Now when the see me coming and hear,"Chickie, chickie, chickie" They want to see what big papa has. Two out of the 16 are really bold, They come up and let me stroke thier back. They all will snatch a Mealy from my hand. Fun.

 

[lorijohnson823]

How old are the chicks that you give mealworms to? I have chicks that are 2wks old and 3wks old. Can I introduce them to mealworms at this age?

 

[BlazeJester]

My 3-wk olds are loving mealworms and got their first at around 2 weeks. They have chick grit (aka play sand) in their brooder for any treats they decide they like, but they are pretty far between. 99% of what they eat is the chick starter.

 

[gapeach717]

a few handfuls of corn out of the can and you wont be able to get them off you!

 

[Aeropennchick]

Mine are not yet three weeks, buff orps and red pullets. I feed them their chick crumbles from my hand while they are in the pen, and then have them take turns sitting in my lap on a towel in a separate room while I watch TV. They eat the crumbles like it's a treat, and although they squawk when they are picked up, they fall asleep on the towel after I sit down and they settle in. They like to be covered with one hand, I think it makes them feel sheltered.
Give it a shot! I cycled through all six last night on the towel without a single one pooping on me!

 

[Uriel]

snatch one up every day and carry it around with you for 10 minutes, let it perch on your finger or shoulder, feed it treats from your hand, rub its crop (not the top of head or sides), some like to be stroked along the wings and be aware of not scaring it by moving too fast.. if you turn them upside down they usually relax.

 

[gapeach717]

yeah i also find that one on one they are calmer and more likely to look to you for comfort and support than when with the whole group. I let them come out one at a time and walk around the livingroom (concrete floor) and get pet and perch on me. One of my EEs last night (a little over a week old) was determined to stay on my daughters lap, lol!