Trying to decide what chicks to keep based on behavior...

[AmyChristine]

Hi! I ended up finding two lavender Orps shortly after buying 4 Buff (one is really presenting as a cockerel though). I also have a few other chicks I may sell but need help on chick behavior. Two of my BO are the first to greet me in the brooder and jockey to jump up on my forearm. It is so sweet! However, I am new to chicken behavior and wonder if how chicks act (at under 3 weeks) truly reflects as an adult. My australorp is super shy but not skittish; doesn't want up on hand though. The two black sex link want to fly up too but I'm not sure it's because they just want up and out, or because they want to socialize. My Barnevelders skit away but don't freak too bad when handled. Anyway! I also know I can't get attached to them all because we will need to replenish layers later and will only be able to afford and have space for a few "pets" down the road I'm already attached to a few of my 18 chicks.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Think about how this 'cute' behavior will play out later; an eight or ten pound bird jumping on you without warning? With dirty feet and sharp nails? IMO the birds should respect your space, and get close only when invited, Random leaps on your head won't be fun either, later.
And, very bold cockerels may grow into nasty attack roosters, who really don't respect humans at all.
It's fun to make 'pets' out there, but on your terms, not theirs.
Enjoy your babies, but realize that they will grow up. I call mine, and they come running for treats, and it's cute. I discourage any who want to peck at me, or jump on me.
Some chickens can learn to enjoy being picked up and carried, and some just won't ever like it. Really, that's fine, because they are chickens, not lap dogs, and instinctively they should realize that they are prey, and be more careful.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I rambled on, but basically, keep the ones that make you smile!
Do be careful about cockerels that seem 'friendly' and 'bold' though.
Mary

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I know where you're coming from. I have a little boy that likes to jump onto his waterer when I come near and just watch me. He's one of my favorites in the group

 

[AmyChristine]

Hi! I ended up finding two lavender Orps shortly after buying 4 Buff (one is really presenting as a cockerel though). I also have a few other chicks I may sell but need help on chick behavior. Two of my BO are the first to greet me in the brooder and jockey to jump up on my forearm. It is so sweet! However, I am new to chicken behavior and wonder if how chicks act (at under 3 weeks) truly reflects as an adult. My australorp is super shy but not skittish; doesn't want up on hand though. The two black sex link want to fly up too but I'm not sure it's because they just want up and out, or because they want to socialize. My Barnevelders skit away but don't freak too bad when handled. Anyway! I also know I can't get attached to them all because we will need to replenish layers later and will only be able to afford and have space for a few "pets" down the road I'm already attached to a few of my 18 chicks.

Good advice. No I don’t want a chicken on my head!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd say as a general rule that overall they'll keep some of the characteristics you see now (so a shy chick may remain shy, a bold chick continue to get bold) but I'd give them some time before you decide which to keep long term (unless you must reduce the flock now) - hard to gauge temperament at 3 weeks old and how it'll affect their behavior as adults. Maybe the bold chick becomes an adult that likes to try to escape, or the shy one panics too easily, etc.

 

[AmyChristine]

Thank you! I have decided to do just that...wait and see how they act as they get older. I'm just hoping it won't be difficult to sell any extras in a few months, but the way chickens have been flying out of the feed stores around here I may be ok. There are always people that would rather skip the chick phase.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you! I have decided to do just that...wait and see how they act as they get older. I'm just hoping it won't be difficult to sell any extras in a few months, but the way chickens have been flying out of the feed stores around here I may be ok. There are always people that would rather skip the chick phase.

If you can raise them close to point of lay, they should sell very well. Lots of people want to skip straight to the egg laying part!

 

[AmyChristine]

If you can raise them close to point of lay, they should sell very well. Lots of people want to skip straight to the egg laying part!

How much do people usually sell chickens for at point of lay?

 

[rosemarythyme]

How much do people usually sell chickens for at point of lay?

Varies by area (I live in a more expensive area) and also what breeds you have (something like the Lav Orps would be worth a lot more in areas like mine, where people like fancy birds, vs. barnyard mutts). I'd say $20-30 per pullet, though I bet you could get $5-10 more in a pricier neighborhood.