How do you pick up your chicks?

[ChestnutRidge]

I'm pretty sure I'm picking up my chicks in the wrong way. How do you pick up your chicks?

Thanks!

 

[macadam8157]

haha what makes you think that??? When mine were little I'd just let them stand in my hand and cup them so they can't jump out. But now that they are bigger I put there legs in between my fingers and let them dangle and a hand on there wings. I also only pick them up when inspecting them or moving them.

 

[MareeZoCool]

With two hands. one hand goes under, holding belly & feet, the other gently holds the wings.

 

[Life is Good!]

Ours are now 6wks - and over 1#, so they're bodies are getting more than my one hand can grasp!

I try to 'scoop' them up using my right (dominate) hand then their feet go between my fingers and my palm holds their chest in my left hand. Right hand then slides up to hold wings and then I can 'cuddle' them against my body so they don't go flying out. Yes, mine are now fledged and willingly fly across the run to get at a tasty treat!

I imagine as they get bigger, when I cuddle them against my body, they'll get closer and closer to my elbow - need to remember to have a jacket or long sleeves on when this happens. Mine are very attracted to moles on skin! Ouch! (Maybe they won't notice when I'm more tan?!)

Hope this helps!

 

[ginger c.]

My 4-week-old slw makes it easy. I say, "Come to papa. Elevator's going up." Then she hops on my hand and lets me pull her out of the brooder.
It ticks my wife off.

DH

 

[ChestnutRidge]

Thanks everyone! I had felt bad to leave their little feet wiggling, but it seems that now that they are a bit bigger (2+weeks), that's probably the only way to to it. Also, I had had difficulty "catching" them when they were trying to hide in a corner, but I'll try the scooping method!

 

[ChestnutRidge]

ginger c. :

My 4-week-old slw makes it easy. I say, "Come to papa. Elevator's going up." Then she hops on my hand and lets me pull her out of the brooder.
It ticks my wife off.

DH

That's amazing. I'm totally jealous!

 

[Dingo]

Life is Good! :

I try to 'scoop' them up using my right (dominate) hand then their feet go between my fingers and my palm holds their chest in my left hand. Right hand then slides up to hold wings and then I can 'cuddle' them against my body so they don't go flying out. Yes, mine are now fledged and willingly fly across the run to get at a tasty treat!
!

I do the same. mine are still handfuls so ring and middle fingers goes between the legs, index and pinky help hold the legs still and thumb goes over a wing. They usually only protest when it's time for them to go back in the brooder after running around the kitchen. My EE will also perch on my hand for a chick elevator even though she's fully capable of flight now.​

 

[TheHalfWayCoop]

ginger c. :

My 4-week-old slw makes it easy. I say, "Come to papa. Elevator's going up." Then she hops on my hand and lets me pull her out of the brooder.
It ticks my wife off.

DH

That is awesome, and hilarous

Love it!!! I see now I've been picking my chicks up wrong, so glad someone else asked, no we'll practice the 'dangle' method!


Jenn​

 

[andrew6d9]

ginger c. :

My 4-week-old slw makes it easy. I say, "Come to papa. Elevator's going up." Then she hops on my hand and lets me pull her out of the brooder.
It ticks my wife off.

DH

that is so interesting and cool.
what type of chicks do you have?​