Tips on taming/socializing chicks

[yakitori]

What timing, this one just decided to climb all over me

Jumped on my hand and made its way up to my shoulder. even posed for the selfie!

Definitely a roo...

 

[ksato003]

Actual question, do baby Roos act more boldly than pullets?

 

[yakitori]

I’m not entirely sure. But I read a lot of threads that say the friendliest chick turned out to be a roo, so I’ll just presume it’s the same for mine too!

 

[JaeG]

Actual question, do baby Roos act more boldly than pullets?

I've often found the opposite to be true - the biggest wussies turn out to be the cockerels and the friendlier ones are the girls. But sometimes the boldest are little roos. It all depends on their little personalities.

 

[Chookmama72]

I'm so frustrated and sad. Mine are going on 3 weeks and are still skittish. They'll walk near me but freak when I pick them up. I talk to constantly in a sweet voice but to no avail. Mine are 2 each of blue rocks and barnies. Is there still hope?

 

[BYC Project Manager]

I’ve read different things about handling chicks to raise them to be people-friendly. Our chickens will be backyard family pets and while I know they all have their own personalities, i want to give them the best chance to know us and not fear us. Maybe even let us hold them, my kids too when they get a bit older.

I heard for the first 24 hrs after you bring them home to ignore them and let them settle so they can decompress a little. What about after that?How often should you handle/sit with/chat with them after that? Once a day? More? What are the chicken whisperer ways to raising chickens who let you cuddle them …. Do tell

Here's an awesome article on the topic: How To Tame Chickens from the Start and here's a video summary below:

 

[McChooky]

If you are want chickens your kids can cuddle and carry around raise them indoors and spend a lot of time with them. Silkies make great pets .

 

[McChooky]

I’m not entirely sure. But I read a lot of threads that say the friendliest chick turned out to be a roo, so I’ll just presume it’s the same for mine too!

Not true.I had one chick that wasn't skittish and never ran away.She's still that way today lol

 

[McChooky]

I'm so frustrated and sad. Mine are going on 3 weeks and are still skittish. They'll walk near me but freak when I pick them up. I talk to constantly in a sweet voice but to no avail. Mine are 2 each of blue rocks and barnies. Is there still hope?

My chickens are as skittish today as the day I brought them home. Some chickens will bond with humans better than others.Depends on their personality. Fact: Most chickens don't like being held or picked up. They'll chase you for treats an dattention but run the minute you try to pick them up they run in the opposite direction.Been around chickens all my life and one thing I can tell you is they aren't like cats and dogs.I still love them just as much as my cats and dogs but accept they are just naturally more skittish.

 

[Chookmama72]

Yes I'll just have to accept it I guess. I'm just so envious of folks I've seen on YouTube that have cuddly lap chickens lol. I still love them dearly, that will never change.