What age kids and chicks?

[boymeetschicken]

We are hatching eggs, day 12. I have a 4 year old and he and all his friends can't wait to play with the chicks. At what age (chicks not kids) can I allow the kids to handle them? How old before I can bring the chicks outside to the yard? It's in the 60's here. Thanks!

 

[nchls school]

We are hatching eggs, day 12. I have a 4 year old and he and all his friends can't wait to play with the chicks. At what age (chicks not kids) can I allow the kids to handle them? That really depends on how careful the children are and on adult supervision. Day old chicks can be handled for short periods of time. How old before I can bring the chicks outside to the yard? To be safe I'd wait until the chicks are 4 to 6 weeks of age. It's in the 60's here. Thanks!

 

[trudyg]

You'll have to really monitor them. My 8 yr old grandson would climb in the coop with the chicks and I was afraid he'd fall on them--tight space and watching his feet! He'd hold one so tenderly and then, when he was done, tend to just fling it down. That happened once and that was it, he wasn't allowed near them anymore. Didn't expect that from him, he's a real softie. The girl I expected to not be gentle turned out to be my chicken whisperer. Just so good with all animals. I'd make them sit on the ground and then only handle once chick at a time. Just like handling a new baby. And wash those hands!

 

[realsis]

I would not let the kids "play" with the chicks until they were a lot bigger. They can carefully and gently hold the chicks with adult supervision after about a week or two old. In MY OPINION. Because baby chicks can unintentionally be hurt or killed by small children which can cause trauma to the kids. so I would wait until they were just a little bit stronger then the kids can enjoy them without too much worry of hurting them. When they are just hatched I'd personally give them a week or two to become stronger. I'm sure you know this but make sure after handling the chicks the kids wash there hands so they don't get ill.Of course the decision is ultimately yours as a parent. I sure hope you post some pictures of your new "babies" i bet they will be precious!

 

[Hope1122]

If you think your 4 year old would be careful it should be just fine

I let my 4 year old brother hold them he was careful just made sure to keep a eye on him. I would also say around a coulpe weeks should be fine for the kids to handle them.
Also on the outside age part I would say around 7-8 weeks is good or till you have to keep cleaning them cause they are bored and making a mess lol hope this helped

 

[Gavia]

I'd say wait until the chicks are about a week old and are maybe a bit more hardy. That's what I did. Also: to the outside; pick a day when it is NO WIND outside, and it is about 65-70 degrees. You be the judge. Wait until the chicks are 3-4 weeks old. XD hope u post some pictures.

 

[appps]

Really depends on the kids. My own I would have allowed very monitored holds from about a week old.

Their friends it depends on the kid and I'd say no if in any doubt they would sit perfectly with them.