Petting/ Socializing My Chickies

[GinGia]

As some of you already know I got my 20 chicks this a.m. They already know my hand when i put food in the tray to scratch around on and know my voice. I also know they are very fragile so I know not to pick them up. My question is can l lightly stroke their head/wings to get them more use to me or should l leave them be for a few days? it's amazing how they already know my voice!

Thanks all!

 

[nchls school]

If you are careful there is no reason why you can't pick them up. Chicks are more durable than a person might think. However, if they become overly frightened and struggling to get away; put them down.

I do not know how old you are but wash your hands when your done handling the chicks and enjoy!

 

[Chickassan]

By all means yes!
The time you spend right now giving little pats and rubs will be hugely apparent as your flock grows.
I encourage baby snuggles 100%!

 

[Farmgirl1878]

If you are careful there is no reason why you can't pick them up. Chicks are more durable than a person might think. However, if they become overly frightened and struggling to get away; put them down.

I do not know how old you are but wash your hands when your done handling the chicks and enjoy!

Yep, I agree. Your chicks should learn to be comfortable with you, so handle them as much as you can now to ensure that you can comfortably handle them in the future. The key is to just be gentle with them. Talk to them, sing to them, if you have the space, let them crawl up on you and play... My girls are comfortable with me, but I didn’t pick them up enough. As a result, they love to come jump up on my knees and hang out right next to me, but they really don’t like it when I pick them up. Trust me, it’ll make life a lot easier in the long run if they learn to tolerate being picked up now. Wash your hands after, don’t touch your face, but love on each of them as much as you can - it’s good for them and good for you!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

As long as you're not planning on keeping a rooster from the batch love on them all as much as you want! You can even pick them up. I regularly pick up my chicks from day one. Just be careful.

 

[GinGia]

If you are careful there is no reason why you can't pick them up. Chicks are more durable than a person might think. However, if they become overly frightened and struggling to get away; put them down.

I do not know how old you are but wash your hands when your done handling the chicks and enjoy!

Thank you!