How to Handle Baby Chickens

When handling baby chickens, or chicks, you must be gentle and cautious with these fragile animals. According to the website My Backyard Chicken Farm, chicks are not as easy to handle as you might think, because when you pick one up, its instincts compel it to try to escape from you and get back to the flock. If you do not know how to properly handle baby chickens, you could accidentally injure the tiny, struggling creatures.

Instructions

    • 1

      Do not handle baby chickens too much. According to My Backyard Chicken Farm, you should avoid picking up chicks that are less than four weeks old, unless you have to move them.

    • 2

      Slide one hand under the chick's belly. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or otherwise be rough with the chick if it becomes frightened and tries to escape. If you squeeze too hard, you could severely injure the chick.

    • 3

      Gently place your other hand over the chick, then lift the chick in both hands. Hold the hand that's on top of the chick just firmly enough so the creature cannot escape or fall and get hurt, but not so tightly as to crush it.