how to tame wild chicks

[JOdogface]

This past weekend I got ten started pullets between 3-4 months old. They've never been handled and are wild and flighty, terrified of being "captured" and picked up. My existing group of 8 hens is very tame, because I've had them from chicks and they're used to being handled. A couple of them will even jump up into my lap when I'm sitting outside!

Will the new ones ever tame down enough to be handled without utterly freaking out? They're already getting used to me a little bit -- they run into a corner when I come into their coop, but after I stay still for a little while they start coming out to eat/drink and even approach my feet. But if I so much as move my hands they are gone!

These are red sex-links, a breed known as docile and friendly -- will these chicks ever get over their early lack of handling?

 

[Spartan22]

Yep by getting used to you, meal worms and some tasty treats will tame them, besides by the time they start laying they’ll get friendlier so don’t force to handle them since they might get more scared of you. I had some skittish chicken since they were few weeks old that became tamed after point of lay. I had also some chicken that tolerate me but was just never cuddly, they just came for treats and off they go, I just let them be, it’s their personality.

 

[Cyprus]

I don't know if they'll ever not freak out when you handle them, but you may be able to make them friendlier if you can have them associate you with treats. Perhaps toss scratch and softly talk to them every day.

 

[Chickassan]

Ok, they will get used to you eventually but you are new to them, they are not used to being touched and even a tame hen is wary of being captured. Your new girls are also coming up on preteen/teen age where even if you had held them everyday they'd still not like you. Start a routine, give a treat same time same place everyday and just sit quietly with them it is better if you are near their level. They will eventually get that you're ok.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

meal worms, special treats... make a special call that you use when you have food. My birds will come running of I call out "Chickie Chickie Chickie!", especially if they spot a bowl or plate in my hand!