I have a few things to add to all of the great advice already on this thread.
1. NEVER dip a chick's beak in water to get it to drink.
2. If you need to catch or move your chickens, do it after dark, when they are roosting. Pick them up with your hands over their wings so they can't flap. They can't see well and it is so much less stressful for them than chasing in the daylight.
3. You can save clam or mussel shells to feed in place of oyster shell for calcium. Double or triple bag them in ziplocks, and wrap them in an old towel or some rags. Then run over them repeatedly with the tires of your car. Crush to desired size and give them to your chickens.
1. NEVER dip a chick's beak in water to get it to drink.
2. If you need to catch or move your chickens, do it after dark, when they are roosting. Pick them up with your hands over their wings so they can't flap. They can't see well and it is so much less stressful for them than chasing in the daylight.
3. You can save clam or mussel shells to feed in place of oyster shell for calcium. Double or triple bag them in ziplocks, and wrap them in an old towel or some rags. Then run over them repeatedly with the tires of your car. Crush to desired size and give them to your chickens.