[nuzuki]

I have 4 older chicks and am having a bit if difficulty holding the hens comfortably. The cockerals are fine and are happy to be carried under my arm. I was told to hold the hens by the legs but as soon as I grab the legs they flap and I am forced to let them go. Any pointers would be great. I really thought the cockerals would be the problem and not the hens. The hens are also not as easy to catch as the cockerals.

Thanks

[GrannieAnnie]

Some people do grab them by the legs and hold them upside down.  The go comotose, because the blood rushes to their heads.  It's not something I like doing.

I pick up a hen by holding her wings against her body if you know what I mean.  Sometimes I tuck her under my arm, but if I want to look her over for health inspection, I slip my hand underneath her tummy with her head facing me.

3 Fingers under her tummy, one leg between little finger and the one next to it, the other leg between thumb and index finger.  If she is comfortable, she will sit there happily for ages.  YOu can then look her over, hold out a wing, or if you want to look at her vent, just put your other hand over the top of her body and tip her up so you can inspect vent.

I hope that is understandable.  I know what I'm talking about, but not sure if it comes out properly!  

If you decide to carry her anywhere, tuck her under your arm with her head facing backwards and bum facing away from you.  that way if she poops, it generally misses you! 

[nic_28]

lol, most of my girls duck for me which actually makes it hard for me to hold  as theyre wings are forced out! only 2 of mine allow me to hold them comfortably, one of them seems to enjoy it so much she is happy on her side as long as she feels balanced. bless her. The thing I realised is that aslong as their wings are held into their body you should be able to avoid those flailing wings (which actualy hurt!) the holding the backside away from you advice is very sound and makes such sense! thanks for that. xx

[GrannieAnnie]

LOL Nic, I've been pooped on too many times now!   

[grinling]

That's how I was shown Grannieannie and if content they doze on the arm.

[compostqueen]

Oh I hate that grabbing by the legs and holding upside down. How would you like it 

the girls are wonderfully happy if picked up like Grannie says. Even my grumpiest girl would be completely calm when held this way    You have to catch them first but if they are used to you they will come to you for a treat. Mine would hitch up their skirts and charge at me when they saw me coming as I always had a titbit for them 

[GrannieAnnie]

When I was desperate for some more POL's 2 years ago, Joy took me to a local lady.  She came out of this summerhouse where she puts birds waiting for collection with 5 birds in each hand held by their legs, and she shoved them in my poultry crate 5 at a time!

For those of you who have poultry crates you will knwo how small the 'door' is!

Joy and I were disgusted, but didn't say anything as if you annoy this woman she won't sell to you anymore!!!

[nuzuki]

Thanks for the replies, at least I know im not the only one with a little difficulty. I guess so much depends on the bird itself. Does anyone else find cockerals are easy to handle or is that just as I have young ones?

Ive taken to carrying my hens like eagles, they just perch and wobble a little on my arm. The problem is if they lose balance they make their way upto my shoulder/neck then I literally have to shake them off my back.

GrannieAnnie - As soon as I goto hold their wings against their body they go into a flapping spasm. Any advice to stop this?

Also I wondered if anyone has their chickens trained to follow them, like compostqueen said about treats. I basically take mine from the barn each day out to the run/coop combo. Im doing this until the big coop/run combo is completed then they can finally stay out at night. So for now I have to carry them one by one about 30metres to their run.  I used to put them all in a box and move them that way but they are too big for that now.

[GrannieAnnie]

I think speed is of the essence nuzuki!  I get as close as I can to the chicks, then bend down and grab them from the sides before they get a chance to flap.  It doesn't always work as I'm not as quick as I used to be! 

Treats are great.  put some corn or pellets or something. Maybe too young for corn, but it makes a nice noise in a tin.  Shake it as you are walking from one place to the other.  I'm sure they will soon learn to follow you!

[grinling]

I put corn mix in a 1litre ice cream tub and shake, though normally I'm just followed to the shed.