Opinions Please! Handle Vs Not

[thudson]

I am about to get more chicks this weekend. As I was thinking about it my mind wondered to a question I never thought to ask. I have raised chickens but just never thought about it really. My wife and I love it when we have chicks they are so soft and warm. I love holding them as she does but is this a bad thing. Can a chick be held to much and it become sick or die? Or is it the more you hold them the more people friendly they become and easier to handle when care is needed.? I really would like opinions on this topic please! I know here at the BYC we all have a preference and we love our chickens. Just what is best, the rule of thumb so to speak? Thanks!

 

[BantyChooks]

I see no trouble with either. Just don't squeeze them, make sure they don't get too cold, and they'll be fine.

I handle my chicks a decent amount for the first week or two. I think it helps them be tamer in the future.

 

[thudson]

I see no trouble with either. Just don't squeeze them, make sure they don't get too cold, and they'll be fine.

I handle my chicks a decent amount for the first week or two. I think it helps them be tamer in the future.

Thanks I agree totally! I believe this as well. But my dad always warned me when I was little. So I was curious.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I have to agree with Banty they are all cute and fuzzy they go through a teen faze often of don't touch me then start laying again all friendly like

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree with Banty.

Just be sure to wash hands before and after handling them.

 

[PhoxFroot]

I have quails and I didn't handle them as much when they were chicks so they don't seem to be interested in me as they would be if I handled them. I recommend you handle them often and expose yourself to then regularly so they don't end up being flighty or even scared. Just make sure they have food and warmth and keep us updated on how it goes. Good luck!

 

[thudson]

Well everyone is on the same consensus as I am. I totally agree! As with my hens before when they were chicks, the ones I handled are very easy to manage and those I didn't are flighty and scared at times. I even have one large 6 year old Rhode Island Red hen (Anabel) who will sent or stand on my foot until I pick her up. Why, though would my Dad warn me not too much when I was little?

 

[PhoxFroot]

Haha, my mom would tell me that too when I would go pick up the chicks. Assuming you're handling them for a long time, I think its likely to do with how weak the chicks immune systems are, and as such they can easily get sick and die from too much exposure over a long period. My mom probably had an unfortunate experience where one coincidentally got sick when she held a chick for too long. I hope that helps.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I vote hold.... but I ALSO advocate giving treats at this time as well, so they automatically assume you are the *candy man*!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Well everyone is on the same consensus as I am. I totally agree! As with my hens before when they were chicks, the ones I handled are very easy to manage and those I didn't are flighty and scared at times. I even have one large 6 year old Rhode Island Red hen (Anabel) who will sent or stand on my foot until I pick her up. Why, though would my Dad warn me not too much when I was little?

Could be the salmonella concerns. Your folks were being cautious for both your sake and the birds sake.