Newbies guide to holding chickens?

[Hunny]

Some of my girls (5wks) are fine no matter how I hold them. But others, like my black sexlinks and BR, they really seem to hate every different way I hold them

Do you cup their body with your hands? Do you tuck them under your arm? Support their feet? One hand wrapped around their body?

I just feel like such a newbie- is there a better way to hold chicks?

 

[chickpip]

Quote:
I VERY gently put them in my hand and my thumb on their back. To get them used to your hand the best thing to do is put chick feed in your hand and let them peck it until they are standing on your hand and very gently lift your hand a miniscule amount. Of-course when you change their bedding you will need to just pick them up... but in general just let them know your hand isn't a shark

Hope that helped.. Not the easiest to explain via internet!

 

[QuinnP]

I cuddle them close. for the record, it takes just 4 hours to thoroughly spoil a baby chicken. Its fun.

 

[MamaJohnson]

For the first few weeks I always put my hand into the brooder with a little feed in it for my chicks to peck at before putting the refilled feeder in. In no time at all they can't WAIT to see my hands coming their way! As they grow I pick them up as often as possible, and talk to them gently. I usually cup my hand around their wings and stroke their heads, chests and backs with my other hand. I think the key to well-socialized chickens is "the more often, the better". Good luck!