I've finally gotten pretty good at catching each of my two point-of-lay chickens. ChickenLittle, the araucana, allows me to hold her on my lap and will sit there contentedly while I stroke her back. If I loosen my hold on her though, she stands up and carefully hops down from my lap. HennyPenny, the black marans, barely tolerates being held whether I stand with her in my arms or hold her on my lap. She squirms around, complains, and wiggles out of my hands as fast as she can get away. So I'd love to see a video tutorial of how one person can do an exam on a chicken. I'd like to look under their wings, and at the vent, and feel their bellies and also see if the pelvic bones are three-fingers wide apart, but how can one person do any of that? I'm sure it can be done, I just don't know where to put my hands and arms to hold them securely and still be able to see what I need to see. Can I lie them on their backs on my lap and hold them there somehow? or what??????? Anyone know of a video showing how to examine a live chicken? Thanks
Gee, that's a tough one! Sorry I can't help you. I could make a video, myself, but it wouldn't help you, either. My chickens are used to being handled. I can put a saddle on my wildest hen, flip her upside-down in my lap, and snap the elastic under her wings... and she'll just lay there. Maybe it would be more helpful to handle them and get them used to it before you go all-in with physical examinations.
From the front of the chicken, run your hand under the breast and support her chest, then use the other hand to stablilize her over her back. They don't like an approach from above, the usual petting motion, as their instincts see this as predator attack. You can turn them upside down and hypnotize them, as well. Google it or do a search on You Tube.