How to make your new chicks
your best friends
   I have raised many batches of chicks, some very tame and friendly, and some very much NOT! The best way I have found to make friendly chicks is to start with day one. For the first two weeks, put your hand into the brooder as often as you can. Just stick you hand in and move it around slowly so the chicks get used to seeing it. Once they are calm with your hand going into the brooder, start gently petting them with one finger. You will find that some actualy like this while others will crowd into the corner. Don't worry that some are still scared of you. It will pass soon! Notice that I didn't say anything about picking them up. A few chickens really enjoy being held, but most do not. When you must pick them up, be sure to support thier feet with one hand while keeping the other hand cupped over them so that they feel secure.
   Now for the fun! When they are around two weeks old, they are ready to have treats. The treats that I use most are bread and rasins. Old bread is OK, moldy bread is NOT. If you really want to have some fun, try some broccoli or cooked ramen noodles! Just break off a piece of bread, hold it in your hand and stick your hand in the brooder. It may take a few minutes the first time, but watch the first few chicks to try it out. Those bold little guys are probably your little roos! If you do this twice a day, soon the little buggers will come running whenever they see you come in the room! They even have the most anoying way of making you feel guilty if you don't have time to feed them treats, so don't say I didn't warn you!
   One final note, you want to avoid giving things like corn and whole grains to the chicks until they are around 6 weeks old. Thier little crops are not ready for it before then. It is also important that they have access to grit before you give them any whole grains as the grit in the crop is how they grind up the grains.

     Now, go make friends!
     Rose
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