When do you pick up and cuddle your chicks?

[pattee]

My babies are 4 days old today. They always run hither and yon when I come up to their brooder box. I pick them up everyday, but don't want to always scare them....

I've heard that when they have just come from the breeder MPC that you should wait till they acclimate to their surroundings, true?

 

[Mrs MIA]

I spend time just laying my hand in the brooder with my babies, letting them explore and play on it without trying to pick them up every time. I don't want them to be scared of this big hand coming at them all the time. But I play with them every chance I get. They're stronger than we think...

 

[Vamp-A-Billy Princess]

No way. I cuddle mine constantly. They cry if they see you get near their pen and dont pick them up. As soon as I open the door they make a break to fly up on my shoulders. They even try to land on my son. Cuddle em up!

 

[Matt A NC]

I hold my chicks from day 2 or 3. Usually whenever the brooder needs to be cleaned the first time. After that I just pick one or 2 or 3 up when I feel like and let it run around on me while I watch TV. They like to snuggle up against your neck. If you have hair at shoulder length they will hide in it.

I only have 2 in the house now and they are getting Spoiled Rotten.

Matt

 

[ella]

I do hand feeding and gently scoop up only the ones who climb into my hand. Most of my chickens are really socialized when the reach maturity.

Be mindful that newly growing feathers are sensitive and it can be uncomfortable for them if you aren't really gentle.

 

[dreammaker8482]

I hold my constantly!! I think they believe my hand is the magic food machine...it comes in, takes the feeder, and POOF! There's the food! Now that they are getting older, some of them will eat the crumbles off my hand and some won't. But they all run to me now, so hug 'em and kiss 'em!!

 

[Cetawin]

Cuddle away! Mine ate off my hand at 1 day old and were hopping onto my hand by 4 days old. At 6 weeks old, they fly out of the brooder and onto me sitting on the futon or in this chair. hahahahaha

Just make sure the room is warm that you are cuddling with them in.

 

[coltsrox]

yea mine were soooooo skittish the first days i had them but by eating in my hands and playing with them alot they don't run anymore.

 

[Featherland]

I talk to them alot and they recognize my voice. When they hear me they come running I pick them up and keep talking to keep them calm. That helps them to be more receptive to being held.

 

[gritsar]

According to my SO I'm holding mine every 5 minutes!

It's not that often, but I've held them regularly since the day I got them, at 3 days old. I'm sure to keep my hands under their feet so they feel secure and they've all done well with it.