how much do you handle your chicks?

[Minky]

I find that my chicks go crazy every time I sneeze, speak, laugh, sometimes even walk by.
there are too many and Im too busy to pick each one up and cuddle it...but when I do try to handle them, they act like im going to eat them..
does anyone have a great solution to having calm friendly chicks? my hens are calm and friendly, but that usually happens once they start free ranging and see the rest of the flock coming to me and eating from my hand... wondering how to gain some trust with them early on...it will make switching out leg bands and taking notes, photos easier. thx

 

[ChickForLife]

When you pick them up, do you grab them from the top? If so, they are scared your hand is a hawk. It is a natural instinct and to stop that from happening, make your brooder so there is an opening in the side than can be closed so you are grabbing them from the side, not from above.

Handle them whenever possible!

 

[Minky]

When you pick them up, do you grab them from the top? If so, they are scared your hand is a hawk. It is a natural instinct and to stop that from happening, make your brooder so there is an opening in the side than can be closed so you are grabbing them from the side, not from above.

Handle them whenever possible!

I use a giant freezer box... yes I grab them from the top. Hmmm. thats going to be a challenging one to remedy.

 

[RobertaD1]

This is a great article that addresses this very thing.
Reasons for Tossing Out Your Indoor Brooder and Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors

 

[RobertaD1]

It talks about brooding in your coop... but also how to "change things up" so you aren't working about their instincts.

 

[ChickForLife]

I use a giant freezer box... yes I grab them from the top. Hmmm. thats going to be a challenging one to remedy.

Do you have a cardboard box laying around? You can use that too and it is super easy to cut and maneuver.

 

[DouglasB]

I have to reach in from the top of my brooder too, it doesnt seem to bother them because they know that big ugly chicken is giving us food and fresh water and cleaning up our mess. When I pick one up I scoop it up from underneath, slowly, and most are ok with it. Some just dont like it at all and will yell at me to put them down.

 

[Minky]

Do you have a cardboard box laying around? You can use that too and it is super easy to cut and maneuver.

the freezer box IS a cardboard box

 

[CluckerFamily]

The only time I choose to grab the chicks is during cleaning of the brooder. I prefer to sit and just talk to them for them to get use to my voice. I think this is why all my chickens know their names and come to their name when called.

 

[ChickForLife]

the freezer box IS a cardboard box

Then can you cut out one side to make a flap to grab them from?