I too, have pondered this question. I spend time with the chicks(2 weeks old), only to watch them plaster themselves against the far side of the cage, I offer some of their starter in my hand, only to watch them plaster themselves against the far side of the cage, I chirp and cheep and cluck at them, only to watch them plaster themselves against the far side of the cage....sigh...I suppose if I keep at it they will sooner or later resign themselves to living with the crazy lady and figure me for a harmless old bat...what I don't understand is they make the loudest chirps when they cannot see me, and stop as soon as they see me. Either they are content in my presence, or they are thinking, "if we be quiet maybe she'll forget we're here...."
On the good side, my OTHER chicks that are 6 weeks old (2 black sex-links and 3 white rocks)are a little friendlier. Of the five 6 week olds, one stands out(black sex-link). I had to separate her from the rest due to pecking- the other 4 swear she's a meanie! But this one that is separated is the most personable of the bunch. Such a sweetheart. She seems to prefer my company to that of the other chickens. She runs to the door when she sees me headed that way, she cheeps and chirps, she hops on my hand...I don't get it. I suppose chickens have very distinct personalities just as people and other pets do.
I'm betting that there will always be some in the flock that are just not 'people' chickens. Just as there will be some that really make having them worthwhile.
