HANDLING YOUR CHICKENS With their soft feathers and gentle disposition, chickens can be lovely to hold, especially for kids. If your family wants to be able to pet and handle your chickens, then it’s best to start from an early age so the bird becomes used to it as it grows up. The best way to hold a chicken is to put your hand under its body to support its weight. With your other hand hold the wings down, which will prevent the chicken from flapping about. THE CHOOK BOOK | 33