Will my chicks always run away from me?

[MizzPeabodyIV]

I purchased my chicks a few weeks ago from the ranch supply store and everything has been going great. I have two young kids and we all pet and talk to them daily. Over the past few days I've noticed that they are becoming extrememly difficult to catch outside. They run away and it takes forever to catch all three. Will they always be like this? I would like to let them free range in my backyard as much as possible, but if they are going to run away when it's time to go back in I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. So will they stop the running away, or will they just become easier to catch as they grow larger?

 

[deserthomestead]

If you establish the coop as "home," you shouldn't need to chase them down at night. Try locking them in for a few days to establish that particular place as their home base. Then they should march themselves right in around sundown.

Also, have you tried treats? It only took two mealworms and half a grape to buy my girls' affection

 

[jersey178]

Only give them treats in their coop/pen. Ten they will come running to the coop for a treat and you can then lock them in

 

[MizzPeabodyIV]

The only treats I've tried have been grapes and some leftover cantalope, they didn't seem too interested. They do love bugs though, I may try to find some live mealworms but the thought of handling them makes me want to gag.

I don't have a coop set up yet unfortunately. Right now they are still in a plastic tote and I bring them outside for a few hours if the weather is decent. I plan on ordering the coop in the next day or two so hopefully I will have it all ready for them in a week or so.

 

[RoseMarie1]

I purchased my chicks a few weeks ago from the ranch supply store and everything has been going great. I have two young kids and we all pet and talk to them daily. Over the past few days I've noticed that they are becoming extrememly difficult to catch outside. They run away and it takes forever to catch all three. Will they always be like this? I would like to let them free range in my backyard as much as possible, but if they are going to run away when it's time to go back in I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. So will they stop the running away, or will they just become easier to catch as they grow larger?

I read some where and don't remember where, to say chick chick chick when you have food or a treat and they will learn to coming running when you say chick chick chick. BUT I would always have food or a treat when I said that because they might not come if you try and fool them many times. lol Anyway I started doing that to mine day before yesterday (mine are in the brooder still) and then yesterday I walked out the door saying chick chick chick and they all started chatting at me and when I got to their pens they were all in the front ready for their food. lol so it only took me one day but I do give them treats and food often each day.

 

[deserthomestead]

I wear gloves or stab them with a plastic fork, lol

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They go through a very skittish phase starting at about 3 weeks old and they will become much friendlier when they reach the POL (point of lay).

Continue offering treats as desired, and give a special treat call. Then whenever you make that call, they will come running!

When my chickens are chicks they really don't like treats too well. I have found that I don't even bother with treats *usually though I have been known to do it* until they are at least a couple of months old.

Also, invest in a long-handled fish net. This will be very useful if you ever need to catch a hen against her will.

 

[MizzPeabodyIV]

Also, invest in a long-handled fish net. This will be very useful if you ever need to catch a hen against her will.

That is a great idea!

 

[hugapug]

Mine were skittish in the beginning but at about 4 months, they started to come when they saw me. I hand fed mine treats and they learned that I was "the provider of food". They also learned the sound of a plastic grocery bag so all I have to do is shake it and they know they are getting something tasty like cheese, grapes, lettuce and they come RUNNING from wherever they are. One of my girls, a Polish named Phyllis Diller, would come when I called her and she followed me around the yard, often times making me trip over her if I didn't see her. She even hopped in my lap. Sadly, I lost her last week but I never would have guessed that chickens would be that interactive. When it's time to head into the coop, if I haven't gotten out there before it gets dark, they head in themselves. Sometimes if I am putting them to bed, if I pick up one, the others follow. Give it time and lots of patience. If you establish a routine, they will get used to it.

Good luck!

 

[Cynthia12]

Most chicks run away in the beginning. I've hatched for years, so I have a lot of chicks around. They are cute and will come to you when you offer them treats in the brooder, but once you put them out in a grow out pen, they will start to run, and then once they are out and about, they still keep their distance from you. Not all, but most. Then, once they start laying, they get way more friendly. Two reasons I guess, because they know by then you have treats...and because they know by then you give it to them.