Holding Pullets

[AnonPaperclip]

So, my girls aren't too keen on being held, all but three will struggle intensely to get out of my grip. Only my Leghorn and two of my Welsummers will be pretty calm when picked up (mainly our reddish-brown girl, she didn't complain at all when we gave her her vaccine) But I found that they don't struggle as much when I hold them on their side. Their back would be to my chest so they cant open their wings up enough to start flapping, and their feet would be sticking out in the air so they can't push off of my shirt. I've seen people holding hens by their legs (of course only breifly before setting them down) but I was wondering if holding them sideways was alright for them. I know that their lungs are more towards their back, but I haven't held them hard enough to cause any respiratory issuses. So, is it safe? Or should I stop?

 

[barred2rock]

As long as your genital they should be fine. The following is how it's supposed to be done, but I haven't had much luck. Some of my girls will sit on my lap and let me pet them, but if I so much as touch their underside they flee or struggle.

 

[AnonPaperclip]

As long as your genital they should be fine. The following is how it's supposed to be done, but I haven't had much luck. Some of my girls will sit on my lap and let me pet them, but if I so much as touch their underside they flee or struggle.

I've seen this video before and I'm glad someone told me that it was the right way to hold chickens. Thanks!

 

[SD Chicken Wrangler15]

Now that I think about it I held one pullet this way and she was very calm. I read a chicken raising book that suggests to catch them by the legs and firmly hold them by the thighs. But the girls still flap their wings unless I hold them in my arms which seems to work.