Handling Chicks

[Palinor]

One of our hens has gone broody so we decided to get some fertilized eggs for her to hatch. We're hoping for a rooster in one of the eggs because we are looking for a protector for our flock. Our chickens we handled since they were chicks so they are used to use petting them and picking them up.
We have never hatched chicks from a broody hen before so my question is will we be able to handle those chicks the same as our other chicks? We want them (especially the rooster) to be friendly with people.

 

[RWise]

Chances are 50% will be male, so be prepared to cull a few (cull does not need to mean kill)
As for handling them, different breads have different attitudes.

 

[Palinor]

Chances are 50% will be male, so be prepared to cull a few (cull does not need to mean kill)
As for handling them, different breads have different attitudes.

totally, we're prepared if there's more than one male. We'll find them good homes. The broody hen is a speckled sussex and she's very sweet. The eggs that we're getting are golden laced orpingtons from alchemist farms. They're actually bred for temperament

 

[aart]

Does the broody allow you to handle her, checking underneath during her incubation?
Keep taht up and you should be able to handle the chicks.
Handling a male frequently is not the best way to raise them up, IMO, familiarity breeds contempt.

 

[Palinor]

Does the broody allow you to handle her, checking underneath during her incubation?
Keep taht up and you should be able to handle the chicks.
Handling a male frequently is not the best way to raise them up, IMO, familiarity breeds contempt.

yes, she still allows us to pet her and put our hands underneath her. She just ruffles her feathers and coos