When to handle new chicks?

[Trock925]

Suggestions on when to start handling our new baby chicks for socializing them? I've read so many conflicting accounts.

We have one chick (Black Australorp) that has no problem being handled. She just hangs out in my hand and sometimes falls asleep. Our Buckeye wants nothing to do with us though. She runs away and her little legs go crazy after I've picked her up. The other 3 just seem to tolerate it. So far I've only been picking them up to check for pasty butt as they've had a lot of stress over the past few days.

My daughter is begging for an opportunity to interact with them. So suggestions please! I'd love to hear what worked well, and what backfired too.

Thanks, Tina

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Sounds like you have already started handling them,what’s your question exactly?Any specific ones?

 

[Ptera]

Day one! Then several times a day every day. If they run, cup them--gently--in your hands, not necessarily touching their bodies, just keep them from running. Definitely no squeezing! You can also sit still on the floor in a small space (like a bathroom) & let them run around and jump on your legs and tummy. I used to do this for at least an hour a day as soon as I got the shipment of day-old chicks. Frequent contact as soon as they're hatched is very important if you want really tame chickens. Children should be closely supervised to ensure the chicks aren't getting squished.

 

[Abriana]

You might think that holding them is a very important part of socialization, it is a part of it, but sitting with them and allowing them to come to you plays a huge part in the socializing process.

 

[Trock925]

Thanks everyone. More detail: I'm looking for ways to get the chicks accustomed to us. So really, I'm looking for suggestions on socializing the flock with us. Our family is really excited to have chicks now, but I don't want to traumatize them with our excitement. (PS-Can you tell this is my first time with chicks, lol)

 

[TheTwoRoos]

It’s all cool,ask questions.Start out with feed,you shouldn’t handle chciks immediately after you get them home,they need time to adjust,it can be stressful sometimes.Stat with holding and treats.Maybe teach them a little something by calling them ievr to you everytime you have a treat,just say here chick chick chick,and they should learn quick that means treats.Once you get aquatinted by feed,it’s over,they will be down by your feet everytime you walk outside.Chickens love food.

 

[WickedChicksNH]

My chicks have always been handled right away if i got them already hatched
I get them at the feed store and are used to seeing people and being touched or at least tying to be touched
They are kept in large metal bins like feed throughs
And they are kept by the counter so they see people all the time

The chicks I've hatched i wait until they are dry and seem like they caught up on their rest from being born
And i have handled them
They like being in my hands cupped over them
Because they know my voice because i talked to the eggs while they were incubating and while they were hatching
I just have to say something and it scurries over to me in the incubator

Baby chickens are looking for something warm and soft to snuggle up to if they do not have a mama hen

I have never had an issue handling my chicks very young

But chickens don't need to be handled so young to get used to you. chickens in general are social and will know u as you will be the one feeding them and such

Good luck with your new little ones