okay...I am scared to pick one up.

[achickenhead]

I admit it. I have never picked one of our chickens up (well since they were about three-four weeks old)

I am just a big wimp and new to this. So how do I do it?

What is the best way to ensure the least amount of trauma to myself or the chickens? PS They run away really fast

jk

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

just cowboy up and get out there honey... hee hee hee

its like picking up a small dog or cat, hand under body, support legs

you'll do great

unless they peck your eyes out. good luck!

 

[Ashmeade]

Gotta be confident and just grab them up. Being tentative will only serve to have them likely run away from you. I'd say initially, hold onto their body with both hands so they cannot flap their wings.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Grab around their back so they can't flap their wings. If they start flapping their wings, they're also going to scratch the crap out of you trying to get away. Then hold them close to your body. (around the area of their wings again, with their legs dangling)

It becomes SO much easier when they start squatting.

 

[NotTheMomma]

Go in the coop once they are on the roost, then you can pick one up, securing the wings so they don't flap. Also easy to get them off the nests, but yours aren't old enough to lay yet.

 

[Kezzie]

Don't put your hand under their feet. Or, if you do, you'll only do it once...

 

[SallyF]

I try to clamp the wings at first grab, one hand on each wing. Then I can pick them up, hold them against my chest, securing both wings with one arm, and hold the legs with the other hand. That way, they can't flap, can't run, and usually don't peck, either. Kezzie was right, keep your hand above their feet, holding by the legs. If you've got the legs secured and need a better grip on the rest of the chicken, you can hang them upside down for a minute to rearrange things.

 

[achickenhead]

Great Advice....

Maybe I'll have a beer first...just to take the edge off.

They are 16 weeks now and have just started (like two days ago) to lay - though it is hard to catch them in the boxes. They haven't really figured them out yet.

They all roost (all 13) on one roost. So TONIGHT when they go to bed I am going for it.

Like you said - if I screw up - I probably won't make that mistake again.

Should I go for one with it's back to me or facing me?

 

[Peeplperson]

Wear gloves!

 

[wannabe_goatmom]

"You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, you can't pick your friends nose." My Dad