Chicks run from me & won 't let me hold them

[reneeandshane]

They run away from me all the time and if I pick them up they flap their wings and jump out of my hands back into their box. I don't remember other chicks being this skittish-do you think they will chill out if I gently keep working with them? Thanks.

 

[Judy]

Probably. It's just predator avoiding instinct. Try laying your had in the brooder with a bit of feed on it, or simply sitting nearby and letting them get accustomed to you. Try to reach in from the side rather than above as much as possible, so they don't feel like a predatory bird is swooping down on them.

 

[CedarAcres]

Mine love mashed hard boiled egg as a treat, so that is how I get them used to me. I hand feed them the mashed yolk, and usually within a week (more likely a couple days) as soon as they see me, they run to the edge of the brooder as soon as I get there. After feeding them a little I pick each one up and snuggle with them, then put them back & feed them a little more. My two week old chicks jump on my lap now! I've also noticed that if you have a few more skittish chicks who act very afraid, the others will mimic them. But it also works in reverse. If you get one chick who really starts to trust you, the others will watch and learn.

 

[BrendaJ]

Spend more time with them, give them treats. It takes time but im sure they will come around

 

[Kilsharion]

Probably. It's just predator avoiding instinct. Try laying your had in the brooder with a bit of feed on it, or simply sitting nearby and letting them get accustomed to you. Try to reach in from the side rather than above as much as possible, so they don't feel like a predatory bird is swooping down on them.

x2

As well, if you are coming in from the top of the brooder, put your arm in and then sit still. Turn your hand so it is palm side up and sit still. Chicks are curious. I mean, seriously curious. it takes patience. But, they will come to check out your hand. If you have a treat in your hand every time, eventually they start rushing up to you when you put your hand in and wait. It is training to get past their survival instinct. Chickens are creatures of habit. If you do the exact same thing every time - you'll see the results. I always click my tongue and say "Hello everybody" in a singsong voice (didn't realize I was doing it until my husband caught me on film doing it). They tear across the yard/brooder to get to me when I come walking up.

However, I don't hold my chickens. I've never done so except when I'm banding them or checking them for illness - or fixing booboos. They will, however, come and jump up on me when I'm sitting out in the yard; and, they have to come check on my husband throughout the day to make sure he's not hoarding any special treats. And, my oldest (he's 43) nearly got startled out of his skin when one of The Girls decided his lap was the place to be. I've learned that it's much easier to entice than to chase.

The booboos are interesting as they don't even begin to try and get away from me while I'm working on them. I'd figure that'd be prime time for flight instinct to kick in. Instead, they actually cuddle into me and want to be taken care of...maybe I have strange birds. But, I always play up to their habit tendencies....doing the same thing every time. It becomes a constant in their life and something they come to count on.

 

[reneeandshane]

Good to hear everyone! I will work on forming a routine in my approach and bare delicious treats they won't be able to stay away from me. Lol . I do try and sit by the brooder and hang out a bit. I'll keep working at it. Thanks again!