by Kim Berg, CoopCrate staff writer
As a chicken owner, it’s important for you to know how to safely pick up and hold your chickens. You might find yourself in situations where you’ll need to examine your chickens for health issues, give them medications, or simply put them in the coop yourself. Fearful and combative chickens will make these jobs a challenge, so learning to hold them properly will come in handy. But besides these reasons, chickens can be affectionate animals that are fun to hold and pet. You’ll want to know how to hold them properly to build trust and enjoy each other’s company! Keep reading to find out more about handling your chickens.
Picking Up Your Chickens
– Avoid running towards your chickens (and encourage children to avoid the same behavior!). Moving too quickly can convince your chickens that they are being chased by a predator, which can make them fearful and mistrusting. If possible, walk after your chickens and coax them into a corner before picking them up. That way, no chasing is necessary! You can also teach your chickens to come to you – a little food motivation never hurts. Consider grain (or some CoopCrate treats!) to encourage their approach.
– Once your chicken of choice is close to you and ready to be picked up, place your strongest hand in the middle of their back, securing their wings against their body. This will prevent them from flapping away. Use your other hand to secure the lower part of their body, then slowly lift your chicken off of the ground.
– Always avoid grabbing your chicken by their feathers, feet, wings, or neck. This is bound to stress them out and can potentially cause physical harm.
– If your chickens are proving to be difficult to catch, try practicing while they are in the roost. Most chickens will let you pick them up off of their perch when they are resting and the lighting is low.
How told Hold Your Chicken
– Once your chicken has been lifted up, hug them close to your body so they cannot struggle or jump away. You can gently pet your chicken or talk to them softly, which can make them feel comfortable in your arms.
– Instead of holding your chicken against your body, you can also hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep your palm up with your fingers spread apart. Let your index finger rest between your chicken’s legs. Your pinky, ring finger, and middle finger will wrap around one leg, while your thumb holds the other leg steady.
– In general, do not hold your chicken too tightly, or they may start to panic.
Practice makes perfect! The more you pick up and handle your chickens, the more confident you both will become. Not only will your chicken end up more affectionate and willing to cuddle, but you’ll be able to perform maintenance and medical tasks with ease. Routine handling creates a bond between you and your chicken, which is the greatest reward of all!