Two weeks old already!

[kdsres]

I am new to this. Baby chicks I bought were about three weeks old, and had never been handled by the people that hatched them! I am having a hard time getting them to accept me. They act terrified when I remove feeders, or them to another crate to change their pine shavings. Am trying to hand feed them treats, mealy worms, and a tiny bit of shredded cheese, and the will eat, then hide in the corners. Is it too late to get them friendly? They are Welsummer chicks, and smart!

 

[diana507]

Are you reaching in from the top of the brooder? If so then they do get scared. If you can come in from the side of the brooder they say it helps. I used to take mine out when they were younger and be on the same level as them and just talk to them softly. They became more accepting to my voice and more loving. It will take them awhile but they will come around I feel. I'm a newbie but mine would always like I was going to kill them when I reached in. Lol I find with my chickens patience is the key factor in everything. Hang in there and try not to get frustrated.

 

[diana507]

We went for it! They are in the coop! I'll let you know how it goes!x

wondering how the girls did and how you did last night with them in the coop. I know I was a wreck the first night. We'll the dog was the worst wreck.

 

[Gembeag]

wondering how the girls did and how you did last night with them in the coop. I know I was a wreck the first night. We'll the dog was the worst wreck.

Hi. They are doing brilliantly! Loving being outdoors and growing so quickly. It took a few days , but now when we go out to put them to bed they are already in the coop up on their perch. The first night was a bit scary for me, but it's great now. How are your girls?x

 

[Gembeag]

I am new to this. Baby chicks I bought were about three weeks old, and had never been handled by the people that hatched them! I am having a hard time getting them to accept me. They act terrified when I remove feeders, or them to another crate to change their pine shavings. Am trying to hand feed them treats, mealy worms, and a tiny bit of shredded cheese, and the will eat, then hide in the corners. Is it too late to get them friendly? They are Welsummer chicks, and smart!

How are you getting on?

 

[diana507]

Hi. They are doing brilliantly! Loving being outdoors and growing so quickly. It took a few days , but now when we go out to put them to bed they are already in the coop up on their perch. The first night was a bit scary for me, but it's great now. How are your girls?x

mine are doing great! They are getting bigger everyday. Anxiously awaiting eggs even though I have a little ways to go yet since they are 13 weeks today. I'm hoping they will be like some and lay at 14 or 15 weeks but knowing my luck they will hold out as long as possible. Haha Glad to hear your girls are doing so well.

 

[Gembeag]

Any eggs yet? Mine are 9 weeks now. Doing great but there does seem to be quite a lot of feathers in the coop. Are they supposed to moult or something similar?x

 

[rides2far]

Mine molted around 10 weeks. I've noticed feathers again. They are 17 weeks old, so I assume they are molting again. (No eggs yet). They grow sooo fast!

 

[diana507]

I still have no eggs. They will be 15 weeks tomorrow. They are getting closer. I hope soon though! Ya mine lost alot of feathers as they were growing. And been molting lately. But they don't have bald spots so that's how I know they are molting. I am beyond excited to find that first egg though. Opening their nesting boxes this weekend.

 

[Gembeag]

I still have no eggs. They will be 15 weeks tomorrow. They are getting closer. I hope soon though! Ya mine lost alot of feathers as they were growing. And been molting lately. But they don't have bald spots so that's how I know they are molting. I am beyond excited to find that first egg though. Opening their nesting boxes this weekend.

Did you open the nesting boxes? Mine are getting big!