holding chickens

[mary24]

We are new to chickens and have 7 for now. How soon and often should we be holding the chickens so they get used to it. I see pictures of people holding chickens and the chickens seem so calm. We got the chickens on the 16th and they scatter every time I reach for them. Is a week old to early.

 

[nobodyherebutuschickens]

Nope, I'm pretty sure you can handle them from birth. Just wash your hands before and after touching so nobody gets sick. Yeah, they'll scatter, but keep your movements slow and easy, and don't lose your patience. Also, don't squeeze them or make them uncomfortable when you hold them, but let them feel secure. Focus your old thefforts on one chick at a time, and it'll be a little easier. Good luck!

 

[N&MSchroeder]

You will get a lot of different responses to your question.

I prefer to let them become used to me, so I don't push it other than talking to them. When I moved the chicks out to the coop, I began spreading out a towel and sitting with them on the floor. All of them have come and sat on my lap, in fact, some won't leave my lap and I have to push them off when I am ready to get up.

Some chickens prefer more human contact than others, so I let them decide. My advice, just enjoy them and be sure to post pictures!!

 

[Nicole01]

I hold my chicks all day long. I pick them up, I carry them around and I swaddle them like a baby. I also give treats from my hand. I've done this since the day I brought them home. When I took them outside today they jumped up on my lap at laid down for a while. I would like to show them also, if possible. I heard the more you handle the chicks, the more friendlier they are.

 

[nobodyherebutuschickens]

N&MSchroeder :

You will get a lot of different responses to your question.

I prefer to let them become used to me, so I don't push it other than talking to them. When I moved the chicks out to the coop, I began spreading out a towel and sitting with them on the floor. All of them have come and sat on my lap, in fact, some won't leave my lap and I have to push them off when I am ready to get up.

Some chickens prefer more human contact than others, so I let them decide. My advice, just enjoy them and be sure to post pictures!!

Definitely agree with you there on letting them come to you.​

 

[Theapplechicks]

We take time to hold our babies individually a couple times a day for a short amount of time. Some of them beg for more attention. I have 2 the love to sit on my shoulder nuzzled in my neck as I walk around the house. Or curl up in my chest and sleep while I watch tv. We took ours outside this weekend for the first time and put them in the grass and they all insisted in sitting up under my legs instead of exploring. Couldn't get them to leave my side!

 

[noodleroo]

I have some taming info on my BYC page so you might take a look at that. My pics show how gentle they are...

There's always a way to tame them...

 

[mary24]

Thanks for all the ideas. I guess I'll just take it slow and hope they get used to it.

 

[mamabigbird]

I found with my chicks that they were less spooked if I slid my hand palm-up towards them from below, cupping them gently and lifting.
They are frightened more by something trying to grasp them from above, it maybe an instinct against predators.
Having said that, there were and are still a few that want none of that, no way, no how and will peck hard if I try to force it.
They have their own personalities for sure.
Patience and persistence may pay off.

 

[lamNervousNellie]

Everyone else's posts were really good advice. The only thing I have to add is try to feed them from your hand. Mine were skiddish at first (we hatched them from our own birds) but now run over to my hand when I put it in the brooder. Some walk away once they realize I don't have food but most of them stick around for "snuggles". My babies are growing in their adult feathers right now and love when I massage those pesky pin feathers on their chests.

Oh, also, here's a genius tip I learned! When I want to hold my chicks, I'll warm up one of those rice (or sometimes they're made with corn) warmers that you put in the microwave and put it in my lap. I usually cover it with a towel so the heat isn't so intense but the chicks instantly sit down and settle in for a long snuggle when I use the rice warmer! Good luck, patience is the key.