WHy don't my chicks love me?

[mystus808]

They always run to the back of the brooder when they see me

Anyone have any ideas on how to make them love me?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

You seem like a big, giant predator to them. Move slowly around them. Talk softly. They'll get used to you.

 

[BrattishTaz]

Feed them out of your hands a few times. You will quickly become their best friend.

 

[mystus808]

should i feed them anything special like cracked corn or fruits? I probably should be quieter and move slowly, I kind of do sing loudly and slam the door and then there are those times when i jump around like a kangaroo. SHould I give them miny tomatoes?

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
How old are your chicks?

 

[mystus808]

going to be a week

 

[corvidae]

Eh, don't sweat it at that age. For the first few weeks, all the chicks I've had have been like that. Even when hand-feeding them, they initially act like, "Ah! The hand of death! Run away!" leave the hand in there for a minute and they seem to forget their previous moment's terror. Move the hand again and you are back to being the hand of death. Sheesh.

After a few weeks of this, however, they start to recognize you and come running when you get near. The Andalusians I just raised for a friend wouldn't get the heck off my head and shoulders when I tried to tidy up the brooder. Rather disturbing, that--particularly when I noticed their interest in my eyeballs...

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
You should really just feed them chick starter for now. A scrambled egg or yogurt would be ok every now and then but avoid the fruit and cracked corn.

 

[mystus808]

ok when should i start trying to get them to like me?

 

[Delmar]

Quote:
You can try any time you like. Ever thought of singing to them.