What to do with chick that is squirmy?

[Emily_loveschickens]

Hi, I have a golden comet chick about 4 weeks (5 on the 21st) and she seems to be pretty tame Dust baths in my lap, when I put my hand in there brooder she comes and steps on my hand so I can take her out. And during playtime in there coop I will sit with them and they all go on my shoulder. But, when I hold her she is just very squirmy. Any ideas how to fix her being so squirmy or any ways to get her used to being held. I would appreciate any input, thanks!

 

[CalBickieMomma]

I’ve had squirmy Littles before and some of them don’t grow out of it. CiCi - the Buckeye in my profile pic - never liked being held from day one, and is still the same. But she LOVES cuddling and getting pets and readily hops in my lap whenever the opportunity arises. She’s a total love bug and tucks under my arm, fluffs up, and chicken purrs. I think some chickens, like us, just aren’t huggers . But you can try letting her sit/stand on/in your hand and then maybe pet her until she sits down…? Also, does she cheep in distress as she tries to squirm free or is it more of an elevated happy series of cheeps as she tries to get loose? If the latter, I’d vote for ‘I’m a lover but not a hugger’ .

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

I’ve had squirmy Littles before and some of them don’t grow out of it. CiCi - the Buckeye in my profile pic - never liked being held from day one, and is still the same. But she LOVES cuddling and getting pets and readily hops in my lap whenever the opportunity arises. She’s a total love bug and tucks under my arm, fluffs up, and chicken purrs. I think some chickens, like us, just aren’t huggers . But you can try letting her sit/stand on/in your hand and then maybe pet her until she sits down…? Also, does she cheep in distress as she tries to squirm free or is it more of an elevated happy series of cheeps as she tries to get loose? If the latter, I’d vote for ‘I’m a lover but not a hugger’ .

She cheeps in kind of distress as she tries to get down but as soon as I put her down she sits in my lap so she probably is a lover but not a hugger.

 

[CalBickieMomma]

She cheeps in kind of distress as she tries to get down but as soon as I put her down she sits in my lap so she probably is a lover but not a hugger.

Yup. Some are just like that. My Wyadottes have always been aloof, and it makes no sense because they were raised from day old chicks like all the rest (and I spend a TON of time handling and loving on my babies). They even grrrrr at me when I go to pet them BEFORE I even touch them. Weirdos!! But who knows! Maybe someone out there has figured out the way (I'd like to know, too) . Just keep spending time with her and giving her love when she does sit in your lap. Maybe she'll end up like my CiCi - a cuddler but having nothing to do with being held/picked up. Oh, and in my experience, even if you have to capture them and force medicine down their throats as they struggle to break free, they'll still love you afterward .