Why does my chick hate me???

[SilkieChickenLover336]

Why do my chicks hate me? i give them treats from my hand but when i ty to hold them they scream.....what am i doing wrong?

 

[mcjessen]

How are you picking them up?

If you hold them with two fingers between their legs and them resting (breastbone) in the palm of your hand, they may feel more secure.

My Australorp hated being picked up but loved perching on my fingers or arm. Now, I scoop her and put my hand on her back to make her feel more secure. She seems to be getting the hang of it. Also, to get her used to being "scooped" I would let her feet touch the ground but kept her in my hand. She sat for a good 15 minutes without moving.

Good luck

 

[crossgirl]

I've noticed some are more passive then others. My little BR totally freaks out when I try to pick her up, her foster mother is downright cuddly so it's not like she's had a bad example. The other two babies merely tolerate me. *shrugs* I hope with age and more treats they'll settle down. Maybe yours will too.

 

[SilkieChickenLover336]

i let them walk on my hand and then when they stay there for 5 seconds or more i slowly grab them how u explained

 

[SIMPleChick]

they go thorugh a phase, they will calm down, just keep paying attention to them!

 

[Lesa]

They hate us all, because we are gigantic, and we are not chickens!! Don't worry, once they realize you are the food god- they will follow you anywhere!

 

[sjmarshall87]

Quote:

and very true!!

 

[mcjessen]

Quote:
I would just keep at it then. Sounds like you're doing fine. As the other poster said, we're gigantic to them. They're scared of us. Put some feed in your hand and let them eat from it. They'll warm up to you soon.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Precisely. Instinct to fear keeps them alive. They are pretty much at the lower rungs of the food chain.

 

[bds613]

Quote:
LOL Lesa is the truth teller!!!