Picking my chicks

[leight54]

In a few weeks, I'll be going to a small hobby farm to pick up my 3 chicks. I assume I will be allowed to pick the ones I want from the bunch. What do I look for? Of course I will look for bright eyes, normal-looking feet and legs, but what about how they act? Active, but not manic? Calm but not lethargic?

Please help me through my FIRST chickie experience. I'm so excited!

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCrazy4ever]

When buying from a feedstore look for alert chicks who aren't overly timid and don't have any sort of discharge around their nostrils.

 

[leight54]

Thanks. Anything else?

I assume they will all be afraid of the incoming hand, at this stage. If they aren't, does that mean something's wrong with them?

Since I'm only getting 3, I want the 3 best ones!

 

[Nicole01]

I let my kids pick their own, they did a fabulous job. I chose mine with good feathering and somewhat calm. She did have a tiny pasty butt, but a lot of chicks did. The bin had wet pine that needed to be changed. Grrrr.... Many of the chicks were sick. I wish I could go back and bring them home with me. Maybe in the future I will do this and rehome them after they are better.

 

[I-Have-Happy-Hens]

Put your hand in the bin and if one comes over that you like how it looks and is healthy pick it up and see how calm it is and if it fine with you holding it that one should be if you hold alot be friendly

 

[lady feathers]

Keep n mind the chicks persective hands in bins means chicks disappear they will all be scared at first but gve them a few seconds to calm down realize you aren't chasing them and see who is curious.... those will liely be the friendlier ones with handling. Also agree to hold them for a minute and see if they relax and start looking at you or around (probably won't be overly flighty). Good luck, bet you come home with more than 3 hehehehe!!!