Handling Chickens 

Hi just wondering if your sling requires sewing skills or is a particular shape of fabric i.e. scarf-like, and is simply wrapped a certain way?

@@WildberryAB Nope, no sewing skills required. It probably would be better if I had hemmed all the edges, especially of the leg holes. I took a rectangular piece of heavy canvas, probably about 30 inches by 14 inches. I cut two chicken foot sized holes in the middle of the length of the fabric. They're set maybe four inches from the edge of the narrower part. Hopefully that makes sense. If you stood a chicken in the middle of the length of the fabric, it might just be intuitively clear where the holes for the feet should go. Basically I just put them so the whole body would be supported. I wish I had a picture. Once I set the chicken in the sling, I draw the two short ends together over the chicken. Then I take a heavy duty clamp and secure the top edges of the fabric together which lets me suspend the sling from a hook. I don't make the fabric tight around them or anything, there should be some slack around them. Depending on the temperament of the chicken, a helper may be needed to keep them from trying to flap and freaking out. A helper can also hold the edges of the fabric in place of the clamp, though that can get really tiresome for the arm. I hope this makes sense and answers your question. If not, I can try to explain better.

@@rainbowconnected Thank you so much! This is a very good and detailed description. I have to inspect a big free-range rooster by myself so I do appreciate this very much. I'm so happy it doesn't need to be sewn. Thanks once again!❤

@@WildberryAB You're welcome, I hope it helps! Handling a roo like that can be intense. I used if for a very bitey rooster and he calmed right down. It might be helpful if you position the leg holes so there's a little extra fabric toward the front of the chicken. That way their face is surrounded by the sling. It helps calm them and keeps you somewhat protected from the beak. I also think it really helps if you calmly explain to them what you're doing and why. They may not understand the words, but they do seem to understand intent and are often calmer when they get that you're trying to help them.

@@rainbowconnected Good advice! For sure, I will do that with the extra fabric in front. Also, it's very interesting that you mentioned explaining things beforehand. I've done this forever with every animal I've had and it's absolutely true. I pray a little first that the Lord will have any available angel translate if necessary and voila, smooth sailing. I hope all will be well with this rooster, too. It was beyond awesome to come across your post just in time.🙂

It's a bad habit though to let a chicken, or any bird, within pecking distance of an eyeball. Only takes one time...

@@chris2790 Well, by that logic, It's also a bad habit to let any dog within biting distance of your hand, even if the dog has never bitten someone, because it is not worth the risk.

@@thenaturekid3739 okay, whatever. Do what you want, don't have time to argue dumb stuff on YT.

I always wear safety goggles when working with my birds. I spent way too much money on my cataract surgery to get my eyes pecked out by a chicken.

@@rogerknight2267 That's a little over the top.