Adopted pullets acting weird

[Nancybigford]

Hi there! 4 weeks ago I adopted 3 POL aged birds. One we ended up returning because it had some sort of neurologic issue.
the other two seems healthy. There feathers looks good. No respiratory issues. No mites. No bloody poops.
But the issues is they have been here for 4 weeks and still are hiding under the coop all day. They only come out to eat or drink if we are out in their run with them. They don’t walk around and peck and scratch all day like my last chickens did. They just sit under the coop.

It’s bizarre! Is there such thing as chicken depression?? they have a gorgeous run with lots of shade and perches. They don’t even eat vegetables we throw for them! What could be the problem?

 

[333113]

When you say, "POL aged" how old is that?

Chickens who have imprinted on the previous owner may be quite shy until they grow out of imprinting...might be 6-12 weeks.

If they have substituted you for the previous "parents" then they may be laying low to avoid predators until you come back. That's perfectly normal behavior.

 

[thepick4uchicks]

Hi there! 4 weeks ago I adopted 3 POL aged birds. One we ended up returning because it had some sort of neurologic issue.
the other two seems healthy. There feathers looks good. No respiratory issues. No mites. No bloody poops.
But the issues is they have been here for 4 weeks and still are hiding under the coop all day. They only come out to eat or drink if we are out in their run with them. They don’t walk around and peck and scratch all day like my last chickens did. They just sit under the coop.View attachment 2312692 It’s bizarre! Is there such thing as chicken depression?? they have a gorgeous run with lots of shade and perches. They don’t even eat vegetables we throw for them! What could be the problem?

They may want you to be near and hand feeding them the veggies and treats. My girls are very particular about how they take treats other than their regular feed. They will only take new treats or veggies that they have even had before from me their Mama. They usually won’t take them from my daughter or my husband even unless I am very close by if at all. New things have to come straight from me only and usually they have to see me eat them even. Mama is the new food introducer and treat giver. They are very particular at our house and Mama has their complete trust. Also if you aren’t wearing Mama’s muck boost then you get the chicken stink eye or side eye from my girls. You have to wear the boots in our family not just the pants to be the boss! Lol!

 

[Nancybigford]

When you say, "POL aged" how old is that?

Chickens who have imprinted on the previous owner may be quite shy until they grow out of imprinting...might be 6-12 weeks.

If they have substituted you for the previous "parents" then they may be laying low to avoid predators until you come back. That's perfectly normal behavior.

I believe they are 5-6 months old.
I guess I’m just worried something is wrong and I just don’t realize it. My last chickens roamed and played right from the get-go. We’re on 4 weeks of hiding.

 

[NatJ]

But the issues is they have been here for 4 weeks and still are hiding under the coop all day. They only come out to eat or drink if we are out in their run with them.... they have a gorgeous run with lots of shade and perches.

We’re on 4 weeks of hiding.

Did they come from a place with hawks or other birds of prey?
Does your place have hawks, airplanes, kites, drones, or anything else flying overhead?

They might just be scared of something up in the air.

If that is their problem, you might be able to put a few tables or something like that in the run, so they can feel safe in more places.

(If that is not their problem, then I don't know what to suggest, other than just waiting to see if they get better with more time--which you have already been trying )

 

[Nancybigford]

Did they come from a place with hawks or other birds of prey?
Does your place have hawks, airplanes, kites, drones, or anything else flying overhead?

They might just be scared of something up in the air.

If that is their problem, you might be able to put a few tables or something like that in the run, so they can feel safe in more places.

(If that is not their problem, then I don't know what to suggest, other than just waiting to see if they get better with more time--which you have already been trying )

No birds of prey or anything. They DO have a 13x13 sunshade sail. I wonder if this is the problem! They see it as a threat?!! That would explain why they only come out when we are In their run. I’ll try moving some sort of table etc out there and see if that helps! I wonder how long it will be until they aren’t scared of it.