At what age is it ok to hold my chicks?

[9SpiceyChickens]

Hi! I have 6 new chicks they are approximately 10 days old. They are basically pets. I have heard a lot of mixed feedback about handling them. Some people say not for a couple weeks, some say right away....I know you don’t want them to get too chilled but can’t I hold them a few minutes to encourage bonding?
Thanks for any feedback!

We've always handled are chicks, even meat chicks, since day one. Just be careful not to take them out too long, as you don't want them to get chills. Depending on your area, I would suggest 20-30 minutes max.

 

[EmilyRobb]

@Imustbecrazy1 I hold mine after the first day outside of the egg and every day following that. If you want them to be used to humans and recognize you, you could allot a certain amount of time a day to handle them, making sure to touch their face and feet and wings... the whole package. I've had chicks fall asleep in the warmth of my hands from making a little cup around them, so they shouldn't get chilled so long as there is no draft or the environment is cold. Once you begin, how could anybody resist holding cute little fluffy chicks??

 

[rosemarythyme]

Some are even climbing on my ha d or pecking at my jewelry.

Just be careful with the jewelry - more than one member here has lost earrings into the belly of a chicken!

 

[MaidMariHen]

My chickens are 4 weeks old and are now into climbing around on my arm! They love perching on my shoulder too- though I have to wear long sleeves because their talons are getting sharp

 

[Imustbecrazy1]

Just be careful with the jewelry - more than one member here has lost earrings into the belly of a chicken!

Oh no! Haha! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Imustbecrazy1]

@Imustbecrazy1 I hold mine after the first day outside of the egg and every day following that. If you want them to be used to humans and recognize you, you could allot a certain amount of time a day to handle them, making sure to touch their face and feet and wings... the whole package. I've had chicks fall asleep in the warmth of my hands from making a little cup around them, so they shouldn't get chilled so long as there is no draft or the environment is cold. Once you begin, how could anybody resist holding cute little fluffy chicks??

We will definitely be handling them now that I know it’s ok. I limit it, just to keep the chilling to a minimum. Most of them seem pretty ok with us around them, some hop into our hands etc. I’m in LOVE! They are so adorable... Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated.

 

[chickens really]

Momma hens take chicks out in any type of weather to eat. The Chicks won't freeze. Tough little babies.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I hold my chicks from day 1 too adulthood as often as I can. Alot of my birds are people friendly from the taming process.

 

[the_peep_squad]

Mine like to peck at my wedding band. I am going to put a mirror and maybe some other Shiney stuff in their brooder.

I am also going to add a stick to their plate warmer to act like a roost when i raise it this weekend.