How often...

[FombellClucks]

How often and how soon can you hold your chicks? and for how long? Our chicks hatched yesterday and some today. Yesterday's chicks have fluffed out and we're ready to hold but is it to soon?

 

[mississippifarmboy]

We leave ours in the incubator/hatcher for at least 24 hours after hatch to let them completly dry and fluff out and sorta get their legs under them. After that they go into the brooder and the kids are constantly playing with them after that. Not sure what is proper, but I've never seen it cause any problems here.

 

[chickpeaz]

I agree with MFB -- once they're dry and warm, I don't think you can handle them too much. As long as they're getting a chance to rest and have food/water, that is. It really helps you spot any potential problems and it helps the babies acclimate to human interaction. My kids have their hands in the brooder ALL THE TIME when we have little chicks and I've never had a problem. Just wash up before and after.

 

[mother o' chicks72]

Hold them as much as you want! unless it's obvious they are cold like they are shivering and stuff.

 

[zengrrl]

Agreed!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hold and play with them often IF your kids know not to squeeze them, dump them on the floor or try feeding them to the dog - all of that or worse has happened to chickeners at one time or another. Sometimes little children have the chick in their lap and then it does something to scare them- child leaps up and chicken is the worse for it. Best to play with wiggly, jumpy chicks on the floor and make a little corral with your legs. Kids usually like the chicks climbing and jumping over their legs and they are all on the floor so no risk of falls. Enjoy your fuzzy butts.

 

[FombellClucks]

Thanks so much! My sons are dying to "play" with them but mom has to say "No" for now. My oldest is 9 going to be 10 soon and knows how to be gentle. My youngest 4 knows he's not allowed to hold one unless someone else's hands are around his - he just really wants to pet them not hold them so much. Thanks for the advice! Now to let my children know they can "play" with them tomorrow. OH BOY!!