Will they ever let me hold them? Please say yes!

[Sarahej]

Hi, my chicks are 2 and a half weeks now and they run to me (us) when we enter the room. They love it when we visit outside and love to eat from our hands. They do not like to be held. Once I scoop them up and rub their chest they calm and chill for a split second and then off they go. This makes me sad....

Do I just need patience. I am trying to be patient, but I fell immediately in love and adoration!

 

[robynz]

what breeds do you have? This is my first year having chicks, but I've noticed that the barred rock chicks are far more friendly than the little bantams. And the white leghorn chicks don't come, but once they're in your lap, they snuggle in. Good luck! and a little bribe treat can't hurt either

 

[Sarahej]

I think you got it exactly. I think I have a leghorn and once in my hands, she appears so happy. The Barred seems most comfy. I will continue to bribe. cheers!

 

[Apyl]

Patience and remember they are animals not humans and don't think like us. To them they see a giant , possibly predator it takes time to win them over. All their instincts tell them to run. They are not dogs their not bred to be loyal companions and be petted.

To help them become more trusting of you just keep talking to them, place your hand in the brooder for them to come to , dont just reach in from above and grab - that terrifies them. Give them treats. They'll eventually associate you with good things. I have a mixed flock. Some dont want anything to do with us while other allow my kids to walk right up and pick them up and other as soon as they see us come out the door will run to us and perch on someones shoulder.

 

[Sarahej]

Thank you much, Sarah

 

[RonC]

Mine have their moments when they want attention and times when that's the furtherest thing from their mind. It varies from breed to breed and even between individuals. I have one that loves to be held if I'm sitting in the run. Don't even try to get close if she out free ranging in the yard though and then the next moment she wants to be picked up. I also have a couple that never want to be held but will eat treats from my hand.Crazy chickens!

 

[Sarahej]

Everyone has made me feel better. This is really part of the slow movement. Everything need not be rushed and hurried. Good things take time. I will remember that and their moods too!

 

[mlabresh]

My husband sometimes gets a little disappointed at the chicks lack of enthusiasm in welcoming him. Mine will jump and prance around and run and jump in my hands when I come to their cage, but they are often leery of his presence. Not only do we look totally different (he's much bigger, with a big black beard), but we have totally different approaches too. I always have to remind him to slow down his movements, hold still, and be patient. And within a few seconds, one will usually end up in his hand. I always keep in mind that we humans are a natural predator to chickens. But, just as dogs and cats can learn to be friends, chickens and humans can too. So long as we are very gentle and patient with them.

 

[Mzkynd]

I know what you mean, but after reading several posts on here I started just sitting still in front of the brooder and waiting for them to come to me. Now LouLou and Ethel will jump on my lap and up to my shoulders no problem but they still don't like to be picked up too much. My 3rd one ( I think is a roo) does not like to be held at all he will jump on my lap and then jump right back off. Patience ( so not my virtue, lol) seems to be working the best.

 

[musikfan6]

I have found that my 7 week old barred rock is actually pretty friendly. I call her Fran because she is the only one out of my eight chickens that I can tell apart from the others. She was not the friendliest at first, but I think she is becoming the most social. She lets me scratch and rub her under the breast. Some of my RIR's are pretty friendly. My black sexlinks will only eat out of my hand but will not let me touch them. They are so skittish at times, very unpredictable. But I can pick most of them up and they'll calm down in a short time.