New to baby chicks

[Chicken Peeper]

Hi, I am new to raising chickens. I have 4 silkies, 2 polish, 1 salmon favarolle and 1 blue laced red Wyandotte. My question is, how soon can I start holding the chicks in my lap to make them more tame? I have raised Holland lop and Netherland dwarf rabbits for 6 years, and I begin taking them out and holding them in my lap when their eyes open (at 10 days), which makes a big difference in how nice and tame they turn out when they are weaned and ready to go to new homes.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Silkiehen]

I hold mine as soon as I get them! Some people like to let them settle in for a day or two, but its up to you. I handled mine from day one and have had no problems!

 

[emma p]

I hold mine as soon as I get them! Some people like to let them settle in for a day or two, but its up to you I handled mine from day one and have had no problems!

X2 just be carful they a fragile.

 

[Chicken Peeper]

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that -- I want to put them in a towel in my lap while I watch TV. It works great on bunnies to make them friendly. Usually they just fall asleep!

 

[drumstick diva]

You do have to be very careful though, chicks are fast and unpredictable - they may suddenly jump off a lap or even try to fly. They don't do soft landings

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X5, we start handling chicks right away.

 

[gander007]

X6

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

X7

 

[TwoCrows]

Yes, right away. The more time you spend with them, the more they bond with you. I have such lap babies now (adult birds), that I can't go sit down anywhere outside without a chicken begging to sit on my lap!!

Good luck with your new babies and enjoy BYC!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes, right away. The more time you spend with them, the more they bond with you. I have such lap babies now (adult birds), that I can't go sit down anywhere outside without a chicken begging to sit on my lap!!

Good luck with your new babies and enjoy BYC!

Agreed - spend all the time you want/can with them. We have been hands on from day 1 (same approach I took with my previous flock years back). Socialize, socialize, socialize!