Handling baby chicks

[Southguy]

I agree with the "let them settle in for the first day rule." Then there is no reason why they can't be handled every day. In our last batch of chicks we handled them every day - and now as adults - they have no problem being picked up and petted.
Just don't sneeze around them - gives the little ones a heart attack!

 

[Kylea0219]

I handled my chicks a lot!  I had them in a fish tank in my kitchen for the first couple weeks.  I have 16 chickens 17 weeks now.  Some of them love to be held and handled.I have one Buff orpington who goes for tractor rides sitting on my husbands lap.  I may have over handled mine because now they are stalkers.  They follow me every where and they wait for me at the doors to the house.  When I leave the front door open and its just the screen therethey arewatching me.  They follow me on walks with my dogs.  If you don't want cute little stalkers don't over handle.  Also I would say its a huge deal to not scare them.  Always be respectful of the ones that don't want to be handled.  I still pick up the ones that don't like it  but only in the evening when they are calmer and only for health checks.  I spend way to much time withmy chickens and I was a little obsessed when I got them.  I used let them sleep in a towel on my lap when I was watching TV.  Not all 15 at a time but a couple.  

 

[Banaynaychicken]

It's impossible to handle baby chicks too much as long as they're properly handled. Improper handling, thrusting your hands into a brooder from above the chicks stresses them out and makes them fearful since it resembles a hawk diving at them. It's best to reach in from the side to handle them.

Even better, I like to get into a pen with them and let them crawl on me. They become fearless that way, often falling asleep on me. I allow them to explore my hands and arms and legs, and it makes handling them a breeze.

Baby Barred rocks? Just wondering, super cute!