Handling baby chicks

[jcbydesign]

I got my chicks ten days ago (they were 3-5 days old) and I was told not to hold them for two weeks. When can/should I hold them, how much and how? I want them to bond with me and my grandson (5 years). Thanks!

 

[Dora'smom]

I think that you should be handling them every day.

 

[matimeo]

Just don't do this:

In all seriousness, somebody gave you misinformation. Its fine to hold them, just don't squeeze them or anything, and supervise your grandson.

 

[Yazzo]

You can hold chick from their very first day.

Don't know who told you to refrain for two weeks, but as long as you're careful with them, holding them is beneficial: it'll help calm them and make them tame. Just think: the mother hen sits on them and is 'touching' them all the time. The more positive attention you give them, the tamer they'll be.

 

[SassyKat6181]

This is my first time with chicks. I got day olds through the mail. I have been handling them since they arrived. I also let my 2yr old pet them. I want for them to be friendly and not afraid of us when we enter the coop to collect our eggs.

 

[33yardbirds]

My 2 yr old grandson also handled the peeps the day they arrived. He was excited about his peeps but still understood to be gentle. To this day they coming running when my daughter drops him off in the morning. The chickens babysit 3 days a wk.

 

[hokankai]

I have handled mine every single day since I got them as 3 day olds. They are very "well-rounded" chickens at 11 weeks old and some actually enjoy being held!

 

[Muggsmagee]

Definitely hold them, touch them every day. The only thing I would add to this is don't put baby chicks up to your face, and wash your hands when you are done. These were my rules for my kids (under my supervision)...for fear of "possible" salmonella bacteria on the chicks.