Getting new hens used to being picked up

[ScrambledChick]

My hens are 12 weeks old, I got them at 8 weeks. I have been working on gaining their trust and letting them get to know me. I sit in the run every day, talk to them, watch them, give them treats. The first week I had them I had to pick them up at night to go in the coop and then they did it on their own. I know at some point I will want to start checking them on a regular basis, look them over to make sure they are in good health, but how do I go about getting them accustomed to being picked up? Do I wait until they trust me more? I don't want to start chasing them around and grabbing them, making them afraid of me again. What is the right approach to this? Thanks.

 

[Percheron chick]

I find it easier on all of us to work with them as they are going to bed. Let them settle down for the night than pick up a few, scratch and preen them, put them back down before they get too wiggly. Identify who the boss chick is and make sure you pick that one up. You do 2 things. You show the boss who the real boss is and the rest will follow her cues so working with them should be easier and faster.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

That's good advice.

The longer they know you, the more they will learn to trust you. Pullets also settle down more and accept handling more easily, as they get older. Mine do, anyway.

I look my chickens over when they come to the patio for snacks every day. I can see how they're moving, look at their eyes, nares, combs, feathering, feet, nails, legs and even the general area around their vent, At least enough to see whether there is poo on their vent feathers or if there are feathers missing there. I also watch to see how everyone is getting along. External paracites are one of the few things you need to look for closer up, on a chicken.