First Time Chick Parents, Spring 2016

[Jensownzoo]

Okay, not precisely a chick, but the fact that I didn't have to wait until June for them has me dancing with joy! I've been already picking ticks for weeks...

 

[Leebeez]

Changing out leg bands this evening on the 9 week olds went really well. Cut the old colored zip ties off, replaced them with looser ones, and added a numbered zip tie on the opposite leg. Only two out of 21 put up any kind of fuss, so I definitely will be using the handling training technique on the newest chicks as well.

Separated the smaller chicks (mostly banties) into a second brooder tonight too. They were on,y getting picked on mildly...mostly the bigger chicks kept tripping over them and shoving them out of the way so I thought it might be best to have their own space. Most of them immediately did their "dead chick sleeping" impression. Except for Captain Seabright. He was NOT pleased to be included with the "little" kids and was letting everybody know it! Finally, he had enough, gave me a middle feather, and flew out of the new brooder. So, he got his way and went into the bigger kids brooder (that has taller sides!). Immediate contentment.

Stalking... uh I mean... reading this older thread today to look for any tips/tricks I missed. Love your seabright's attitude.. ha. I have a question about something you mentioned. What do you mean by "handling training technique"? I tried a search of this thread (although have read most of it) and couldn't find reference. Do you just mean that you handle them and get them used to it or is there an actual technique. I have 10 chicks, 7 three week olds and 3 one week olds. Is there a good technique to handle them? I've been just cupping my hands around their bodies and go with their reactions. No problems to speak of and they are all tame for the most part but would love to hear your technique.

 

[Dorsey34]

Hi! We are new chick owners and picked up 6 little chicks yesterday. We have 3 welsummers, 2 Delaware and 1 Blue Cochin. So far we are having a great time watching the antics of these chickens.

 

[newchickjess]

This is my silly Mae who likes to be cuddled. I had someone tell me today that it's bad for her to be in this position. Any thoughts?

 

[mamatoes]

Okay, not precisely a chick, but the fact that I didn't have to wait until June for them has me dancing with joy! I've been already picking ticks for weeks...

Cool markings!

 

[Jensownzoo]

Stalking... uh I mean... reading this older thread today to look for any tips/tricks I missed.  Love your seabright's attitude.. ha.  I have a question about something you mentioned. What do you mean by "handling training technique"?  I tried a search of this thread (although have read most of it) and couldn't find reference.  Do you just mean that you handle them and get them used to it or is there an actual technique.  I have 10 chicks, 7 three week olds and 3 one week olds.  Is there a good technique to handle them? I've been just cupping my hands around their bodies and go with their reactions. No problems to speak of and they are all tame for the most part but would love to hear your technique. 

Not sure where I actually posted what I did, but basically I did minimal handling until they finally saw me as the "food-giver". I have a brooder about 3' tall made out of cardboard. I have cut a 1/2 door into the side so I can sit on a bucket and watch my "chick TV". After they were about a week old, I started putting treats down just inside of that door. At first they were scared, but after a while they got the idea and started approaching even before I had removed my hand from the brooder. Then they were eating the treats out of my hand. Then they were perching on my hand to get at the treats. And then I introduced them to waxworms, which they went bonkers for! Mealworms are a close second. So, what would happen is that after they approached to get treats, I would swiftly scoop one of the chicks up by sliding my hand under their breast/belly, deposit them on my lap, then immediately present the cup of waxworms. I'd let them eat a few, then put them back and get another chick. Pretty soon I was petting them, touching their feet, etc. while they were getting waxworms. I had a line of chicks waiting for their turn on my lap! And then I started decreasing the treats and just doing the petting. A few of them made the transition to lap chickens, but ALL of them let me handle them without freaking out which was my ultimate goal. It will make stuff like health checks, leg band changes, etc. SO much easier.

One of my lap chickens has a special trill for asking for lap time...it is adorable. She makes the trill, I sit down, she jumps up, and we cuddle for a bit.

 

[Jensownzoo]

This is my silly Mae who likes to be cuddled. I had someone tell me today that it's bad for her to be in this position. Any thoughts?

It does increase the pressure on their lungs thanks to chicken anatomy--the stomach, gizzard, liver, and gall bladder can all press on them when the chick is flipped. It's often used to explain why a chicken is hypnotized by being put on its back...less oxygen...although I'm not sure if that's true or not. Safest to limit the amount of time they spend on their backs just in case?

 

[kekstrom]

Hi! We are new chick owners and picked up 6 little chicks yesterday. We have 3 welsummers, 2 Delaware and 1 Blue Cochin. So far we are having a great time watching the antics of these chickens.

Welcome!

Sounds like you have some unique and beautiful and likely ADORABLE little chickies! Any pics? We love pics.

 

[collie1470]

Tonic immobility. There's a specific term for the flipped on the back thing but I forget it. But it's a response that occurs across species, not just in chickens. Dogs, rabbits, sharks, birds, frogs, etc, etc, etc. I think it's similar to playing possum....acting dead or sick while vulnerable (belly up) so they're less likely to be harmed.

 

[collie1470]

I used to do it with frogs and lizards when I was little.