How to get babies out of the brooder??

[Kezzie]

This may seem like a silly question but I'm dreading having to do this tomorrow. My brooder (4X4 watermelon box) is now a sea of chickens. The layer coop won't be done for another week or so but I want to get my 8 meaties out in their chicken tractor tomorrow.

They are all so flighty now. I have no idea how I'm going to reach in and get them out without them freaking out so much they hurt themselves. Any ideas?

 

[FrenchHen]

In the evening, turn off the lamp and let them settle to sleep. That might do it.

 

[m2wandc]

is there no way to set the box in the coop and leave it open for them to 'get out' on their own???

 

[Kezzie]

Quote:
No unfortunately. 4X4 won't go through doors and there are 36 chickens in there right now!

 

[addicted2chicks]

I moved my 100+ chicks out to the coop yesterday. I just reached in and grabbed them. That was the only way I could do it. They freaked a bit but they were fine. No one got hurt. I am afraid there is no calm easy way to grabbed chicks to move them.

 

[RIgirl]

Mine freak out whenever we try to pick them up, but they WILL be hand raised and cuddly, so I just keep trying until I've got one. They're fine once I've got em, they just scatter in the process. So I say just go for it. Chicken therapy can't be too expensive in the later years

 

[farmin'chick]

I dunno. My first batch of chicks screams and runs unless I just put my hand in the brooder and let them sneak up on it. My second batch of chicks (smarter is better!) I started putting some feed in my fingers and just letting them hop on my hand and eat. Now, they want my hand even if it's doing feeder filling (rather than the feed going into the feeder!) I can't spread new litter without a crowd following my hand all around, and when I change the water, they all run and stand where the waterer was (while it's out) because that was the last place they saw my hand! There's even a gang that SLEEPS in the spot in the brooder where I usually put my hand, just so they won't miss me! So, it's a little late probably, but try feed in your hand, and when one climbs on, just gently pick it up.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Try catching them when they are asleep. They'll wake up in a new home. If you have been keeping a light on 24/7, they may not sleep and may freak when you turn out the light, but nighttime is the preferred time to handle chickens that are not used to being caught and handled. Another good reason to get them used to the dark while young.

Good luck!!!