🐔 Handling Chickens: Why Picking Them Up Could Save Their Lives (and Give You Cuddles Too!)

Ah, hens. Masters of disguise. Queens of poker faces. If there were an award for hiding illness, your chickens would win it every time. They’re experts at looking fine on the outside—even when they’re not.

Picture this: You’re out in the garden, admiring your plump, glossy-feathered flock pecking happily in the sunshine. All seems well… until one day you spot a hen hunched up, looking miserable. You scoop her up and—oh no—under all those pretty feathers she feels light as a cloud. She’s been quietly losing weight without you noticing.

This is exactly why regular handling is so important. A quick cuddle isn’t just good for your soul—it’s often the first clue that something’s not quite right with your girl.

👐 How to Handle Your Hen (Without Ruffling Feathers)

If you’re not a natural chicken-wrangler, don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks:

1. Place your hands either side of her back (this area’s called the “saddle”).

2. Put your thumbs together in the dip at the base of her neck.

3. This secures her wings gently so she won’t flap and panic.

4. Lift her level, then tuck her under one arm—like a feathery rugby ball.

Pro tip: Do your chicken check-ups on a garden table or bench. It’s easier on your back and stops your hen from hopping off mid-exam.

If you’ve got a chicken-keeping buddy, ask them to hold her while you check her over. And don’t be shy about comparing one hen to another—knowing what “normal” feels like is the best way to spot when something’s off. Bonus points if you’ve got scales handy to weigh them.

🔍 What to Check (Head to Tail)

A quick once-over will tell you a lot:

• Comb & wattles – bright and healthy, or pale and droopy?

• Crop – nice and full at night, empty in the morning.

• Body condition – feel for weight loss under those feathers.

• Feathers & skin – shiny and smooth, or patchy and itchy?

Think of it as a chicken MOT. A few minutes of handling can mean the difference between catching something early or missing it altogether.

🐥 Do Chickens Even Like Being Handled?

Surprisingly—yes! Once they’re used to it, many hens love being stroked. When a hen flattens herself to the ground as you approach, that’s a submissive gesture. It means:

• “I trust you.”

• “I’m not going to run away.”

• And (fun fact) “I’d be ready for a rooster right now!”

So, if your hen lets you pick her up, she’s not just tolerating it—she’s showing trust.

🩺 Routine Chicken Care = Happy, Healthy Flock

Regular handling goes hand-in-hand with a good health plan. That means:

• Worming or fecal egg counts when needed.

• Stocking up on chicken first aid & health products (because prevention is always better than cure).

Don’t worry—it’s not nearly as messy as it sounds. And trust us, the peace of mind (and extra cuddles) are totally worth it.

👉 Ready to keep your flock healthy and happy? Check out our range of chicken health essentials and make hen cuddles part of your weekly routine.