Handling chicks

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

When should we start handling the chicks? We just got them today and other than putting them in the brooder and picking one up to show our daughters we havent been handling them yet. I am just not sure when to/how much to etc....

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We handle all of our chicks from day one. We start by just just placing our hand in the brooder and letting them get used to it. Then they will start checking it out. After a day or so then they will come closer and we can scratch their chests. Pretty soon they will start jumping into our hands or coming up to get their chests rubbed. After a week or so them we will start picking them up and carrying them around with us. After a couple of weeks then we work with them to sit on our shoulders. After that they start expecting to be picked up. Many of our birds basically demand to be picked up when we go to the pens. If you don't pick them up or are doing feed and water they will jump up onto our shoulders.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I handle mine from day 1, too!
I pick them up and then they think I'm their mommy and they follow me around the house all day chirping at me and flying up on me to be petted! I Love my chickies! Handle them when ever!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

Thanks you 2, I just didnt want to stress them out lol

 

[nancypo]

I handled mine the 2nd day and cupped them, then they fell asleep, several times. This is day 3 and now they look at me curiously and I talk to them really quietly. They're in a spare bedroom, where it's quiet, we have 2 dogs, so they'll be out more soon, when the dogs are out. I'd like to see them explore the house, etc. on us. We have lots of time