Is it bad to hold your chicks?

[lauralou]

Also, if they are scared of your hands, put some chick crumbles in your hands and let them eat off your hands. This will get them used to your hands, and they will start running up to you, so they are much easier to catch, and aren't so upset when you do catch them.

It worked for mine, and it's the cutest thing. They think it's a treat, even though it's the same stuff they have in their feeder. I have also softened up the crumbles in a little water, and again, they think it's a delicious treat!

Good luck with your babies!

 

[palabeco]

when you pick them up, try not to come at them from above, just go in from underneath and scoop them up. that way they won't think its a predator trying to get them. we also would use an old washcloth or rag to hold them in and they would fall asleep, all cuddled up and warm.

 

[coltsrox]

hmm..... i have been handiling my two chicks for awhile and they liked it but now their geting older and they run from our hands whenever we try to reach in the box and get them, they are growing more distant,why? i thought the more you handle them the better,whats going on?

 

[silkiechicken]

Could they be afraid of your hand coming from above them? Have you tried reaching for them from the sides? They could be going though their "terrible two's" too.

 

[headbangingrooster]

Well, I carried little Buster around a lot, I'd even set him on the head of my guitar while I played. He loved it! Now, of course, he'd snap the guitar's neck, but he still lets me pick him up, and carry him around, he'll sit in my lap and let me pet him. It's not really a dangerous thing, like it can be with puppies and kittens.

 

[coltsrox]

Quote:
i wonder its just its a small box and i just let my hand dangle in their so they'd get used to it but their so scared i'm scared!lol. but u think its the above thing and a moody stage?thanx so much1

 

[silkiechicken]

For chickens, things that "fly" over head are usually out to eat them, like hawks, so they panic. If you try to go from the side, it may scare them less.

 

[coltsrox]

Quote:
i'll try but because its such a small box it will be hard, thanx for the info! i thought i was doing somethign wrong

 

[Moonwalker]

Wear couple of shiny rings, put a little feed in your hand, and just let you hand lay there on the bottom. They will get curious. Once they get used to you, wiggle you fingers and move your hand. Soon they will associate the hand with food and not be so afraid. I also talk to them and say "chick, chick, chick" when I feed them. The ones I have raised and since turned loose at the stables will still come running to me when I call, even if they have just been fed. I can't pick them up, but they will come all around me.
On the other hand, the batch that came in a couple days before I was out sick for 2 weeks, simply had someone put food and water in, no talking or babying and they are almost 2 moths now and in a huge outdoor cage and they still run and huddle in the corner when you go to feed them.

 

[HauberFarm]

I am wondering what breads are your chickens and how old were they when you picked up your chickens and they died.