un-scaring chicks

[mote36]

OK so I have a quick question, I just got some chicks from tsc. They're about a week and a half old close to two weeks. They are still very skiddish. Talking to an old timer he said to just go in with them every time I feed them and speed some food on the ground and pick them up for a little etc etc. Till they stop being scared. Will this work? Am I rushing the hole skiddish thing? Or is there a better way to make them be less scared of my big paw?

 

[CutlassL29]

We just got our chicks from TSC last Thursday and they seem very happy in the brooder. Our brooder is in a 3 season room.

I just started to get them to eat from my hand a few days ago and one of them even stood on my hand. A little chick feed on closed fingers, slow gradual movements as quick jerky movement will spook them, keep hand flat as possible, still and just over the pine shavings. When you've had enough slowly lift your hand away. This has worked for me and we are new at this.
I think in the learning section of this site there's an article on socializing your chicks.

Good luck!

 

[Cacique500]

Take a look at this thread on Socializing Chicks:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/855685/socializing-chicks

 

[hens number1]

I had great time with my chicks. I just moved slow, gave them a lot of treats and spent time with them. They are so friendly as long as you are gentle and calm with them.

 

[mote36]

I watched your video. Ive been trying to do the hand thing with no luck but they are young

 

[Silkiehen]

I bought some from TSC too! Mine will be 3 weeks old next Tuesday! Mine are still very skittish even though I handle them daily and give them treats. I hope mine get used to me soon!

 

[lghrnlvr]

It might just be the breed you bought. I got my white leghorns from tsc and they have always been skiddish. I handled them all the time when they were young and it didnt help. if I have to grab one of them now I have to wait till dark and sneak up behind em lol. My Easter eggers are a lot more friendly and my light Brahma rooster is an attention hog.

 

[Ren2014]

Do you know what breed they are? You said you just got them so I wouldn't be too worried. It takes patience and time. Be sure to talk to them so they learn your voice. Good luck.

 

[Silkiehen]

It might just be the breed you bought. I got my white leghorns from tsc and they have always been skiddish. I handled them all the time when they were young and it didnt help. if I have to grab one of them now I have to wait till dark and sneak up behind em lol. My Easter eggers are a lot more friendly and my light Brahma rooster is an attention hog.

I have 1 White leghorn and she is the worst!

 

[mote36]

Do you know what breed they are?  You said you just got them so I wouldn't be too worried.  It takes patience and time.  Be sure to talk to them so they learn your voice.  Good luck.

2 are Cornish x 2 are light brahmas and 6 are red pullets