Caring For Chicks: How Often To Pick Them Up?

Baby chicks are fragile and require lots of sleep and heat. Handling them from a young age will result in a more family-friendly flock. However, it is recommended to let the chicks get used to their new environment before picking them up. Chicks that are 1-3 days old should not be handled a lot as they need time to recover from the journey and get used to their new home. After a day or so, you can try putting your hand into their brooder and letting the chicks inspect your fingers and hop onto your hand. Once they are comfortable, you can try taking them out of the brooder. It is important to remember that chicks are prey animals, and being picked up may trigger their instinct to view you as a predator. Therefore, it is best to let them approach you rather than the other way around.

Let them get used to their new environment

When bringing home new chicks, it is important to let them get used to their new environment. For the first few days, it is recommended to observe them in their brooder and talk to them using a soft voice, but avoid picking them up. This allows the chicks to adjust to their new surroundings and recover from the journey. During this time, you can gently stroke them on the head or back and let them explore your hand. Once the chicks seem comfortable, you can try taking them out of the brooder.

It is important to provide a safe and warm brooder area for the chicks. A brooder is a contained space that provides warmth and protection for the chicks. It should be set up before the chicks arrive, ideally 24 hours in advance. The brooder area is typically located inside a barn, garage, or enclosed building. It should be equipped with a heat source, such as a heat lamp, set at 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and then lowered by 5 degrees each week. The wattage of the bulb will determine how high it should be hung, and a thermometer can help ensure the proper temperature. Additionally, the brooder should have room-temperature water and bedding, such as pine shavings, rice hulls, straw, or hay, covering the entire area to a depth of 1 to 3 inches, or 3 to 5 inches on concrete floors.

When handling the chicks, it is important to be cautious and gentle. Avoid holding them with an open palm, as they may jump or flutter their wings and risk falling. Instead, use both hands to hold them, covering their wings and positioning their legs between your fingers. Chicks should not be handled excessively, especially during their first few days, as they need time to rest, eat, and drink. When introducing children to the chicks, ensure supervision to prevent accidental injury to the chicks.

To help the chicks adjust to their future home, it is beneficial to bring them outside occasionally or to their future coop so they can get familiar with their surroundings. This can aid in their transition to living outdoors when they are older. Additionally, if you have existing chickens, a gradual introduction is recommended to avoid bullying. You can use a pet carrier or enclosure to separate the new chicks from the older chickens, allowing them to get used to each other's presence. Over time, you can increase their interaction by placing the new chicks in the same coop after the older chickens have settled for the night or by providing separate enclosures for a few hours each day.

Handle chicks within the first few days

When you first get your chicks, it is important to let them get used to their new environment. Watch them in the brooder for as long as they want, and talk to them using a soft voice. You can stroke them on the head or back, but it is best to resist the urge to pick them up for the first day or so. This is because they are fragile and can be easily stressed.

After a day or so, you can start to handle them gently. Put your hand, palm side up, into the brooder and let your chicks inspect your fingers and hop onto your hand. You can also sprinkle some chick feed onto your hand to encourage them. Once they are comfortable with you, you can try taking them out of the brooder. It is a good idea to sit on the floor when handling chicks, and you can put them in your lap with a cloth or towel to contain any poop.

The best way to pick up a chick is to circle its body with your hand, with your fingers loosely around the underside of its body and your thumb across its back, holding the wings in place. Alternatively, you can scoop the chick up from underneath, gently cradling its belly in one hand and placing your other hand over its back. Make sure you never let a baby chick stand on your open palm, especially if you are standing up, as they may jump or flutter their wings and fall.

Handling your chicks from a young age will result in a more family-friendly flock. It is important to remember that chicks are tiny and fragile, so they need to be held with care. It is recommended to hold them with two hands, covering the wings and legs to prevent them from jumping out of your hands.

How to hold a chick

Handling chicks from a young age will result in a more family-friendly flock. It is important to be able to catch a chicken if she is injured or sick and needs first aid or medication. However, it is not always the case that handling a chick from a young age will result in an adult chicken that will want to be picked up.

When you first get your chicks, it is best to let them get used to their new life and recover from the trip to your house. Watch them in the brooder for as long as they want, and talk to them using a soft voice. You can use slow movements and stroke them on the head or back if you wish. After a day or so, try putting your hand, palm side up, into the brooder and letting your chicks inspect your fingers and hop onto your hand.

The best way to pick up a chick is to circle its body with your hand, your fingers loosely around the underside of its body and your thumb across its back, holding the wings in place. You can also scoop the chick up from underneath, gently cradling its belly in one hand and placing your other hand over its back. Make sure never to let a baby chick stand on your open palm, especially if you are standing up, because they are likely to hop off or flutter their wings and end up falling.

It is a good idea to sit on the floor any time anyone is handling chicks. You can have small children sit on the floor and put the chicks in their lap (a cloth or towel draped over their lap first is a good idea to keep the poop contained). Holding them gently on your lap and offering scratch grains or other treats from your hand while you talk quietly to them can help them get used to you.

Bonding with chicks

Baby chicks are tiny and fragile, and they need lots of sleep and heat. Handling them from a young age will result in a more family-friendly flock. It is important to remember that they are prey animals, so being picked up can be scary for them. Here are some tips for bonding with your new chicks:

Create a comfortable environment

Make sure your chicks feel safe and secure in their new home. A sturdy brooder that resembles a mother hen can provide comfort and security. A see-through brooder can also help with initial eye contact. Keep them warm with a heat lamp, and ensure they have access to food and water.

Spend time with them

Talk to your chicks softly so they get used to your voice. You can sit with them and offer treats like mealworms, grubs, or chopped leafy greens from your hand. Let them inspect your fingers and hop onto your hand. Sitting on the floor while handling chicks is recommended, and having a cloth or towel on your lap can help contain any messes.

Handle them gently

When picking up a chick, use one hand to circle its body, with your fingers loosely around its underside and your thumb across its back, holding the wings in place. You can also scoop the chick up gently from underneath, cradling its belly in one hand and placing your other hand over its back. Avoid letting baby chicks stand on your open palm, especially when standing up, as they may jump or flutter their wings and fall.

Start handling early

It is generally recommended to start handling chicks within the first few days of bringing them home. However, it is important to let them adjust to their new environment first. After a day or two, you can try the methods mentioned above to encourage your chicks to come to you. While early handling can increase the chances of bonding, it is still possible to tame older chicks with additional effort.

Be consistent and patient

Some chicks may take to handling more quickly than others, and it may take time and patience to build trust. Consistent and gentle handling can help your chicks become more comfortable with being picked up and held. Remember that frequent handling does not guarantee that your chicks will enjoy it as adults, but it can increase the likelihood of a positive experience for both you and your feathered friends.

Playing and interacting with chicks

Creating a Comfortable Environment

It is essential to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your chicks. A sturdy brooder that resembles a mother hen can make your chicks feel secure. A see-through brooder with wire or glass sides allows you to make eye contact and connect with your chicks without startling them. Additionally, chicks need lots of sleep and heat, so ensure they have a cosy and warm space to rest.

Initial Interactions

When your chicks first arrive, they may be highly stressed due to the journey and new surroundings. Give them time to adjust and recover by observing them in the brooder for the first few days. Talk to them softly, allowing them to get used to your voice. You can gently stroke them on the head or back, but avoid picking them up immediately. Letting the chicks approach you first is recommended, as it helps them form an attachment and feel more comfortable in your presence.

Handling Techniques

When you do start picking up your chicks, ensure you use the proper technique to prevent them from jumping out of your hands or accidentally falling. The best way is to circle their bodies with your hand, placing your fingers loosely under their bellies and your thumb across their backs, gently holding their wings in place. Alternatively, you can scoop them up from underneath with one hand and place the other hand over their backs. Avoid letting them stand on your open palm, especially when standing, as they may try to hop off or flutter their wings.

Bonding Activities

To bond with your chicks, try sitting on the floor and placing them on your lap (a cloth or towel can help contain any messes). Offer them treats like scratch grains, mealworms, leafy greens, or fresh herbs, which they can eat directly from your hand. This activity can also be enjoyable for children, teaching them about handling animals gently and forming positive associations with the chicks.

Socialisation and Training

Regular handling and socialisation can help your chicks become more comfortable with human interaction. Spend time with them daily, even if it's just a few minutes at a time. You can also train them to come when called, respond to their names, or perform simple tricks. However, keep in mind that frequent handling doesn't guarantee that they will enjoy being picked up as adults, as each chick's personality may vary.

Remember, chicks are fragile and need proper care. Always wash your hands before and after handling them, and ensure their environment is clean and stress-free. Enjoy the process of raising your chicks, as they will grow up quickly!

Frequently asked questions