How to pick up/hold a chicken?

[black_cat]

This may sound a little stupid, but I have never had chickens before and was wondering if there was a proper way to pick them up and hold them. Are things like supporting the feet or putting an arm around their wings important? Also, when checking their feet, do you pick them up, and if so how?

 

[black_cat]

ok I'm replying to this again because I actually really want the answer to this and am worried it'll get lost in the vast ocean of BYC

 

[JacinLarkwell]

4-Hers are taught to hold the chicken like a football: Butt facing out and head/neck tucked into the armpit or peeking out between your side and arm. Some hold the feet together as well if the bird is very flighty.

Depending on the size of your hand, you may be able to just wrap your hand around a calmer bantams breast, holding each wing carefully with your thumb on one and other fingers on the other

 

[black_cat]

4-Hers are taught to hold the chicken like a football: Butt facing out and head/neck tucked into the armpit or peeking out between your side and arm. Some hold the feet together as well if the bird is very flighty.

Depending on the size of your hand, you may be able to just wrap your hand around a calmer bantams breast, holding each wing carefully with your thumb on one and other fingers on the other

Thanks, that's super helpful! I guess thinking about it like a football is really helpful for me because I know understand that a lot better lol

 

[aart]

Both hands over wings to keep them from struggling.
Then under the arm like a football.
I lay them on their side on my lap
(between thighs-wearing an long apron forms a slings that can really help)
to check feet and other things.

Have you tried the search option?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1199139/?q=Holding+chickens&c[title_only]=1&o=relevance

ok I'm replying to this again because I actually really want the answer to this and am worried it'll get lost in the vast ocean of BYC

Looking at your list of 'messages' and 'all threads' should make it easy to find your threads again.