Do you let your kids pick up your chickens?

[gingerpeachee]

My 4 (almost 5) year old is always picking up the hens when they're out in the lawn. They don't seem to mind, and he scoops them up pretty gently for a kid his age, but I'm new to the whole chicken scene and I don't know if I should let this continue.

[lissa~K]

Mine are always picking them up and it doesn't really bother them. My two year old's favorite chicken related game is to run up to the group, jump right at them and say "catch a chicken!". They are less fond of that but it's more of dodging out of the way thing. They are pretty simple creatures, if they see a human they come running up to them expecting treats.

[piccolo41099]

My kids carry them all the time. I figure it makes them well socialized chickens.

[FernHollow]

Some of our chickens actually walk right up to the kids wanting to be picked up. I think as long as the child is holding them gently and understands the correct way to pick them up it is fine. My 4 year old loves to hold our hens too. Actually I even have photos of him holding some of our gigantic Peking ducks with a big smile on his face LOL.

[gingerpeachee]

Thanks everyone. I saw him flinging one into the air right after I posted this. The chicken came back for more! Anyway I think I'll put an end to the flinging at the very least........

[3lilbubs]

No, because my children gleefully CHASE them. Not really trust-inducing ya know? LOL Also my kids SAY they wash their hands and feet after being in the coop but that doesn't always mean that they really did it. I'd rather monitor their time with them.

[Melmonkey]

C only pets them while I hold them....but she is less than two. She does kiss each chick if that matters

[3lilbubs]

Mel how are all your little babies! The chicks and ducks must be getting big girl feathers by now, we need update pics! LOL