[Rangerkris]

Should we have to grab them to get them used to being handled or just wait until they are happy to be picked up.

[joyfull]

try holding a few little treats in your hand and get them used to pecking the feed. They will soon get used to you when you do this.
When they are sleeping on their perches you can lift them off to check them over too.

[Rangerkris]

Joy they feeding out of hand but still a little bit weary. But then its only the second morning we have been down to see them 

[joyfull]

then just give them time, as they are laying sometimes a hen will crouch down and do a little dance by paddling their feet (they think you are the cockerel and this is the mating position). This is an ideal time to just pick them up, make sure you hold their wings close to their sides, then hold them under your arm and with your free hand give them a little treat. They will soon associate being picked up with a special treat 

[ANHBUC]

I searched online and watched loads of videos on handling them just so I would do it right.  It isn't that scarey once you have done it a couple of times.  I still have one hen "Road Runner" who will avoid being picked up but the others all do the curtsey thing which makes it easier.  My new bantams are still very nervous so I am letting them get used to me a little at a time.  They are like Speedy Gonzales!    When I let them out of their run into the garden I sit close to the entrance so they have to get past me to get out.  That way I hope they get to know I will not harm them.  They are not interested in treats off me yet but I am working on them.

[Cluckyclaire]

Hello, am pleased you posted this topic, i have been a bit stressed when handling the hens, i have now had them 3 weeks and got some frontline delivered and luckily my younger brother was here to offer some encouragement for me to handle the hens as the only times i have picked them up they sqwaked and flapped about and i got worried i may be hurting them, well 2 nights ago in the evening i picked them all up calmly and stroked them calmly and they were fine and i was so chuffed, and i gave them one drop of frontline each between shoulder blades/base of feathers, when i put them back i was shaking, but i was so happy to conquer my fear that may sound stupid to some but i think it will take me some time, only one of the hens eats from my hand but they seem to be getting closer to me not walking so far away etc, definitely agree picking them up in the evening is calmer and easier for me right now

hope all going well with everyone and your chooks

Claire 

[grinling]

Also crouchdown to put them back down.

[kegs]

i was so chuffed, and i gave them one drop of frontline each between shoulder blades/base of feathers, when i put them back i was shaking, but i was so happy to conquer my fear

You should be chuffed.  Well done Cluckyclaire.

[Cluckyclaire]

Ah thanks Kegs, gonna keep trying! I don't wanna stress my girls or me  am really enjoying my hens I see what everyone means now that chickens are addictive, never have I woken an hour earlier every morning than I need to!!! This forum has really helped I hope more people who are thinking of getting hens finds all the info here like I did

Hope u and your chooks are well

Claire