when will they love us?

[ginger c.]

how long does it take new chicks to stop being so afraid of us? how much should we handle them?

 

[Theapplechicks]

We have 7 new babies that are about 3wk old. We have about 3 of them that love our attention and the rest running screaming. two of the 3 LOVE to be held and fussed over. The one comes running when you put your hand in the box. Our last bunch we raised it took a lot longer though for them to like us.

 

[nobodyherebutuschickens]

It almost depends on how old the chickies are. At first, they'll be fairly skittish, just keep on handling them firmly but GENTLY, with good touches and pleasant experiences. They may just squirm as long as they're in the chick tub under the heat lamp because they don't feel comfortable leaving their friends. Handle them often, but give them time to be alone and familiarize themselves with being chickens. You could try sitting next to the brooder and simply reading or talking to them to get the chicks used to your voice. Mine were already laying eggs before they would follow me around the yard and come to me when I crouch down and open my arms to them. Don't worry too much. If you give them love, they'll come around.

 

[wingsofglory]

What kind of chicks do you have? and how many of each?

Some breeds refuse out of fear, some out of independence (Comets) but grow up very friendly and easy to pick up and love it.

Some out of self-interest (Brahmas) but came round when I found a treat they liked and lifted them up to reach berries on the bushes they couldn't get too.

The SL Wyndottes never did become friendly - as chicks or adults.

The Andalusian and Lakenvelder made me promise I would never ever try to touch them.

One barred Rock sang like a canary when I picked her up. I didn't know chickens could sing.

My Buff Orp, usuallly a lovey breed, was a snob.

The EE would fly and land on me, but wouldn't let me reach for them.

My friendliest chick turned into a Napoleon-type rooster. Tried to rule me even before the hens started laying.

 

[ginger c.]

Quote:
thanks everyone for your responses

@wingsofglory, we have 2 EE's , 1 SLW, and 1 RIR.

 

[6chick*start]

I must be really lucky as a first timer. My girls, I hope, are 5 weeks and have come to me from the get go.
They are really thriving and moving to the new big coop tomorrow. $12.00 for 6 chicks. $1000.00 for new barncoop blah blah blah
Worth it cuz they are so sweet and they love me! grr that's a lot of money.
Anyway, I pick them up all the time, hug them to my chest, rub up and down their breast. They get so calm. Oh and talk to them all the time. I say 'Hi Girls'
every time I am near them. And treats!
Can hardly wait for moving day tomorrow. I plan to sit with them a while in the big house ...

 

[jsmithmuxlow]

I swear my chics have picked out members of my family as their favs. This really flighty one will just bolt when I come near but when my daughter is near that chic can't get to her fast enough. The wall flower of the bunch just adores me though so I'm not too hurt. There is one that even prefers my 3 yr. old son-now that surprised me because he talks to them like their hard of hearing

 

[WooingWyandotte]

It depends how much your around your chickens, they all have their own little attitude and will eventually warm up to you in her own time, don't forget a daily hold and pet though!

 

[Balbinka]

You just have to be persistent with handling them.

My twelve chicks were terrified of me all through chick-hood.
Now, they are about 2/3 months old. They are far less skittish and enjoy seeing people around.

With chickens:

Food, treats, and patience can usually win them over.


As someone also said, it also depends on the breed.

The Orpingtons are calm and big.
The Brahmas are very "chillax" and don't mind what you do to them.
The Dark Cornish chicks are a bit flighty, but friendly.
The Rhode Island Reds are a bit nasty. Flighty, but too defensive to be held and cuddled for more than couple minutes.

These are just the breeds I have, I'm sure you can get more input from people with different breeds.

 

[CowgirlPenny]

It depends on the breed, but also the chicken. My first batch, by 3 weeks all were fairly social and friendly. As they grew, one of the Production Reds, two of my sex links and two of my Barred Rocks LOVE to be held. They run up to the door and as I bend down they jump up on my knee.


I also have a singing Barred Rock. I have spoken of her many times. She was sneezy as a chick and got a lot of special attention. She is just the sweetest chicken ever. I would be devastated to loose her, she makes the brats worth while. LOL

My Australorps (all three!) will not let me touch them. They run at the sight of my hands. Everyone else either run's TO me, or just stands there and allow me to pick them up.

By about 3 weeks you can start to see who is going to love you, tolerate you, and run from you.