General checkup

[svh]

OK, I've had 9 chickens for almost 2 months now, and they are finally letting me touch them, although somewhat reluctantly, and all 9 will eat from my hand. They know who I am, and I am way more comfortable with them than I was 7 weeks ago. The rooster is comin up on 2 years old, and the pullets are comin up on 1 year old.

They have never been handled, nor had a check of any kind, but seem generally in good condition. I believe I'm ready to do some chicken wrasselin.

This brings me to my questions …..

How do I give them a general health evaluation ?

What exactly do I look / feel for ?

I have never, ever held a live chicken, and although I'm not scared, I'm hesitant, as I don't know how to grab / hold one without injury to either party. The rooster is very mild mannered, and knows I'm the boss, but he has massive spurs I don't want any part of.

I do know from reading voluminous amounts on these forums, that I need to do this several hours after they roost, but …..
What exactly do I do after I got hold of one ?

Will this stress them out ?

I can only really identify a few individuals, so .....
Should I just do a couple, to get the general health of the flock, or do I need to do them all ?

Any tips, tricks, and links to videos are very welcome.

 

[chrissynemetz]

It's easiest to go out at night after they've gone to roost using a head lamp. Check their feet for sores or swelling. Also check for scaly leg mites or any nail problems. Check combs and wattles for any black spots. Part their feathers all the way to the skin and look for mites or bugs. Do this especially around and under the vent area and wings. And just have a general 'look over' them.

 

[chrissynemetz]

If you do it often enough it'll get easier to spot a problem.

I'm probably forgetting something, but I'm sure others will add to this.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How to hold chickens (lots of suggestions in here): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-do-you-hold-your-chickens.1347482/

Watching behavior and eyeballing general condition is the most basic of checks you can do. A lot of stuff you can see without even picking them up - surface scabs or scars, condition of leg scales, overall body condition, feather condition, etc. - plus their general behavior should tell you a lot about how they're doing.

Most of my birds don't like being picked up but most of them don't really try to escape either, so I do all my checks during the day. When I do pick them up I'm looking specifically for the following:
- any evidence of mites or lice by parting feathers and getting a good look at the skin
- checking bottoms of feet for bumblefoot or any swelling or overgrown nails
- checking beaks for overgrowth that needs to be filed down
- feeling for the bird's overall body condition (skinny? fat?)

My flock isn't big (only 7 birds) so I can check all of them if needed, but most of the time I just do spot checks.

 

[aart]

If you do it often enough it'll get easier to spot a problem.

Yes...and both them and you will get used to the handling.
I would suggest you practice just getting them off the roost and holding them for a minute, then putting them back. Best way IMO is both hands around body holding wings down then under your arm into the 'football hold', put them back with both hands same way, let their feet get stable on roost then let go with a little pat on the back.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I suck at holding a chicken, but what helps is when you pick up the chicken...... hold it's body with one hand pressed to your side and use your other hand to grab onto it's legs. When I did that they finally stopped squirming around, if you hold their legs they will feel planted instead of having it's feet dangling and making them feel like they are falling or whatever. And I think that is the proper way of holding them, before I didn't hold their feet and they would always squirm out of my grasp.

 

[aart]

Some of mine need their feet held ...some do not.
You sure don't want them getting their toenails stuck in your clothing,
that can let them feel the have 'purchase' to escape.

 

[Mrs. K]

First - if they are active, bright eyed, eating and laying regularly, those are good indicators to the health of the bird.

No need to wait several hours after dark, maybe half an hour after they roost. I wear a long sleeved sweat shirt, and for me the best way is to quickly, put each hand on each side of the bird, grab firmly and pull towards your body. Quick before they begin to move works best. Once you have your hands on them do not let go, even if it is not perfect, just keep pulling them toward your body and soothing their wings toward their body. If you let them go, they will rile the whole house, been there done that.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

If you let them go, they will rile the whole house, been there done that.

That's why 'well after dark' is best, IMO.
My birds got to roost before dark.
The others might get a bit ruffled but are much last likely to move in the dark if they can't see where they are going.
Headlight with dim setting and hinge to point it up allows you to see but not light a path of escape for the birds. Then you can turn the light on bright and tilt down for exam.