Carrying and Holding Chickens and Chicks [Part 2]

Dont squeese birds too hard when carrying them or restraining them for treatment.  A chicken needs to move its ribs to breath well, and even if the mouth and nose are uncovered, you can suffocate a bird that is held too tightly.  A chick needs to be held loosely in your closed hand with its head peeking through your fingers.

If a bird is really wild and fighting, you can cover his head loosely with a hood or piece of soft cloth, and it will probably settle right down.  Dont try to carry too many birds at a time - take your time to do it right and humanely. beware of roosters with long spurs on their legs.  When they are struggling, these can scratch your arms and legs quite badly! Whear long sleeves to handle them.