Nicola H Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Handling Chickens. We all need to be able to handle our chickens so that we can give them regular health checks, it is also nice to be able to stroke and hold them. This link http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Chickens&cat=Chicken%20Care&sub=handling shows you how to catch a chicken and the correct way to hold it. Don’t rush things. The chicken needs to get used to you and it’s new surroundings but once they reach point of lay they are easier to handle because they will start squatting when you approach. This is a sign of maturity and as they are so intent on squatting down on the ground, you can pick them up very easily indeed. However, all chickens have different temperaments and some just don’t like to be held. Some people find it easier to get the chicken used to being handled by waiting until they have gone in the Eglu for the night and have been roosting for 10-15 minutes. It is easy to then open the egg port to either gently stroke or lift the chicken out to be held and as the chicken will be sleepy and less likely to flap and panic, it is easier to handle them at roosting time. Using treats to bribe your chicken is also a good idea. Some sweet corn, mealworms or other favorite treat eaten from your hand will help to give you and them more confidence. Over time as your chickens mature and get used to their new environment and you, I am sure that they will let you hold and stroke them. They may even sit on your knee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
