[Devonian]

Sorry     but another silly question from a newbie.  I've only had my girls since the weekend but not sure if I am picking them up the right way.

What is the best way to pick up a hen?

thanks soooo much!!

[woodside farm]

Here you go 

http://cockablogaloo.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/how-to-hold-a-chicken/

Michelle xx

[Elcie]

With confidence is the best advice I can give.  You need to make sure you have their wings held relatively tightly (but not too tight!) to their body so that they can't start flapping.

[ehs284]

Generally I pick them up by getting behind and using both hands - one for each wing with thumbs in the middle of the back. The clever bit is transfer to holding. Being right handed I  take more weight in the right hand, hold against my chest and move the bird onto my left forearm. This is the time when they are likely to flap. Once on the forearm they will either lay quietly or stand on your arm. They won't scratch if they have their weight on their feet. They're pretty tough and forgiving so just be bold. To put them down either use the picking up position and gently lower them or bend down so that they can jump or fly from your arm or knee. You don't say how many you have, but the more they are handled the easier they become.  Ours will run away into the nearby field. When you catch them (and they know they've been naughty!) the lazy spoiled creatures will wait for you to pick them up and carry them home.

[Foxy]

Just make sure their bottom is pointing away from you!

[GrannieAnnie]

The link that Woodside farm Michelle put on here is the correct way to hold a chicken, and if done correctly, there shouldn't be any flapping of wings because held like that they feel secure and comfy.

[Devonian]

  Thanks for all your advice which was really useful.  Followed what you all said and no problems now!!   

[GrannieAnnie]

Awww that's great Devonian!   

[Bigblacktaximan]

Newcomer to keeping chooks meself,

from day one I've adopted a 'confident no nonsense' approach,      most of my girls seem to appreciate it,   quite funny that most of them hunker down when I get close enough to slip my hand underneath and catch the legs between my fingers of one hand whilst the other is free to keep any wing flapping in check.
(quite pleased with myself, seemingly having mastered this technique  )