Why are my chicks so skittish?

[Yardmom]

It is normal for chicks to be scared. It is their instincts to run and hide from predators that make them this way. Reaching your hand at them is something they find very scary. Find ways to sit beside them where they can choose to explore and realize you are not a predator.

 

[ella2025]

You could just focus on a few of your favorites—maybe pick the top three you think have the most potential, and give them a little extra TLC. That’s what I did with my chick Suki (who may or may not be a girl—jury’s still out, but she's unofficially a French Splash Marans with an identity crisis).

Working with a smaller crew really helps. Chickens are total copycats—“monkey see, monkey do” with feathers. Once the others see you’ve got a tight bond with the chosen few, they might start coming around too.

Alright, so should I just separate them from the rest of them and put'em somewhere I go very often? Is it too late now that they're 5 weeks old?

 

[thecatumbrella]

Alright, so should I just separate them from the rest of them and put'em somewhere I go very often? Is it too late now that they're 5 weeks old?

Never too late. They’re about to enter their teenage years (weeks?) where they want nothing to do with you, so focus on building trust and tolerance by just hanging out and giving treats. Eventually, you can slowly test out who likes to be touched. My most skittish girl ended up loving massages under the chest, but only on the ground! Another liked to be stroked in my lap, but she had to be the one to initiate and ONLY if she was facing my left. Very specific stuff.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Alright, so should I just separate them from the rest of them and put'em somewhere I go very often? Is it too late now that they're 5 weeks old?

as thecatumbrella said: Its never too late. Of course it is more successful the younger they are. Just make sure it is on their terms. Sit next to them. Pull up a chair, etc.

I have great success with my method, as I put a small plate/bowl (very fancy stuff) filled with finely shredded veggies and fruit... mango, apple, brussel sprouts, spinach, carrot, etc. and watch TV (morning news/weather, etc which is about 45 minutes worth).

They cant help but come over and partake. Messy? sure. But that is why I put a towel down. Mine (for whatever reason) doesn't enjoy the mealworms nearly as much as fresh produce.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Which also reminds me. How much enrichment do they have in their current enclosure?

I switch things up and give them new objects daily. Start small, and allow them to explore new things. I start with sea shells and pine cones. Making sure I always have a bouquet of fresh herbs.

I move up to rocks, or coconut shells (they are ample where I live).

Fresh flowers are also a great idea- they are colorful, make sure you use edible pesticide free varieties. Or just household items... but start small and work up to larger items. Tap on the items so they feel safer.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Which also reminds me. How much enrichment do they have in their current enclosure?

I switch things up and give them new objects daily. Start small, and allow them to explore new things. I start with sea shells and pine cones. Making sure I always have a bouquet of fresh herbs.

I move up to rocks, or coconut shells (they are ample where I live).

Fresh flowers are also a great idea- they are colorful, make sure you use edible pesticide free varieties. Or just household items... but start small and work up to larger items. Tap on the items so they feel safer.

Replying to myself. Nice...

Here are the food favorites of my flock: portion of a head of iceberg lettuce, spaghetti squash (cooked in microwave) and mostly scooped out- they will allow that thing into what resembles a sea shell, lol, half a banana, whole apple with ridges cut into it, spouted seed (I get a cheap finch blend), everything at the salad bar and toss it in.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Which also reminds me. How much enrichment do they have in their current enclosure?

I switch things up and give them new objects daily. Start small, and allow them to explore new things. I start with sea shells and pine cones. Making sure I always have a bouquet of fresh herbs.

I move up to rocks, or coconut shells (they are ample where I live).

Fresh flowers are also a great idea- they are colorful, make sure you use edible pesticide free varieties. Or just household items... but start small and work up to larger items. Tap on the items so they feel safer.

Your chicks are living the life!

Mine have an assortment of plastic crap: purple cup, pink cup, blue lid, and a new green monstrosity meant for guinea pigs. I'll also throw in an empty bottle of water as a "special treat", bonus points if I give them the cap to run around with.

I promise the run is much nicer, but the brooder looks like a polluted ocean with shavings. They're having a blast with their tap toys.

 

[Bsmac]

Alright, so should I just separate them from the rest of them and put'em somewhere I go very often? Is it too late now that they're 5 weeks old?

It`s not too late! I have some hens I got as pullets one is the sweetest thing! She will come over and look at me, then peck my pant leg. That is the clue she wants me to pick her up! Then she snuggles into my chest and arm and will lay her head on my shoulder! So no, it isn`t yoo late!

 

[ella2025]

Thank you so much for the replies!!
Right now in their lil cage setup they have their K&H heater, a 4 ish foot long 2by 2 put up on 2 rocks, and their water and food. I'll DEFINITELY hang some herbs and find random objects for them. Thank you. I give them whole leaves of napa cabbage almost daily and they LOVE it. Funny thing is, that is only when I hold it up vertically on top of their head or next to it. If i put it on the ground (it's usually clean wood shavings, occasionally some poop lol) they will immediately lose interest. If i shred it up finely and put it in a bowl and put it on the ground they love it. These girls are so spoiled. Tomorrow i'll get some colorful stuff for them to explore.