How much do you handle your chicks?

[gabrielle1976]

My chicks are a little over 2 weeks old I think I have 2 RIR 1 BR and 1 Silkie
I go in and check there bedding , feed and water 2 to 3 times a day , they are in my sons bed room locked up because my cat REALLY wants to play with them. I hold them pet them and peep and cheep at them for a few minutes every time I go in there but they still think I am a big giant monster from outer space.

 

[misspoppins]

I have to BEG my siblings to put the chicks away. They just can't get over holding them. So yeah...I have the most spoiled chicks on the planet.

 

[minifarm8]

I handle mine all the time. That's the best thing about being a grown-up and having chicks - nobody tells me to put my own chicks away!

LOVE IT! I totally agree. They are mine to play with whenever I want! I have to share with the kids and try to play nice. I don't want any that are a danger to the kids so we play with them and keep them semi tame as adults.​

 

[wings]

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They DO make chicken diapers...

 

[debakadeb]

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Ummmmm...I think my diaper changing days are over. I can take my chances

 

[skooterbumm]

My chicks were 10 days old when i got them and they hadnt been handled at all. When i opoen the brooder they run and chirp loudly. Will they eventually get use to being handled. There 15 days old now

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I handle all of my chicks from the moment they come through my door. This stimulates them as they get older and now every time I open the door, I have these over-grown puppies come squawking at me.

It really does help.

 

[Cetawin]

Oh I handled all of mine constantly. I talked to them each time I walked by them, left the TV or radio on for them. they sat with me watching TV at night and so forth.

By the time they were 2 weeks old, they would just hop up on your hand when you stuck it in the brooder. Some were more shy than others but they are all easy to handle, eat treats from your hand and are social to everyone, even the rooster.

Handle them, talk to them and spend a lot of time with them. Have them around the family activity and goings on so they are not afraid of the household noises. My SLW has gone to school with my DD, she rides in the van with me to favorite coffee shop and gets a dog biscuit fro the girls there, she flys out of the run and comes up to the house like she belonged there.

 

[Cetawin]

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Yes just keep at it, pick them up, hold them, talk to them and make sure you mess with their feet and faces so they are not afraid of you touching those areas.

 

[lindseythefork]

I hold them for short periods throughout the day. I also have a two year old, so it's hard to keep them from being held/petted/etc frequently.