Befriending your chickens

[Billyj]

Ok I don't know if this is the correct place to put this question, but here goes. I just got 2 Mille Fleur D'Uccle's this past weekend. One on the reasong I got them is because I was told they are friendly. However, Mine spazzzzzzz out when I get close. I know the change is new to them, and they have to adjust to their new environment, but how do I get them to calm down. I try to pet them and they go CRAZY!!!. It is like I am trying to kill them or something. Will they ever calm down. The person I got them from was not mean to them or anything (at least that is what he told me), but he never took time with them other to feed them. If I continue to try and be nice, will they settle down?? I don't want to get rid of them, but at the same time, I don't want crazy chickens. Please help.

 

[Highland Moongazer]

I'd suggest just sitting in their pen and not touching them. Have some treats in your pockets, or bring a couple ears of corn and just hold it out and look disinterested. As long as you resist the temptation to pet them for a while, they should warm up to you.
Once they start climbing on you while you don't have food hanging out, you can try to pet them... then when they run away, pull out the treats again.

 

[Spore]

Food makes quick friends of new hens.

 

[Chicken Chaperone]

Meal worms were my secret weapon when I was trying to win over Henrietta. Then I switched to bits of fruit and
other things I could stash in my pockets so she'd take more interest in what yummy things I might be hiding
so she'd have a reason to come up to me and be more friendly.
Now when I hang out with her I swear she's looking me over and counting my pockets to try and figure out
how many different places I could be stashing treats. Food and time and patience are your friends. And congrats
on getting your new sweethearts!

Good luck, keep us posted and post pics!!!

 

[Zoomom]

Definately win them over with treats first. I always make a certain sound to call them for treats, so they know to come to me for good stuff.

 

[Red&Yellow]

Yes to everybody elses answers, but also do NOT just start, right off the bat, petting them. They do spazz for that. Start by touching them gently, and so they can't really feel it, like fingers on their breasts while you feed them. Just take it slow, they'll warm up with patience. Oh, and no sudden moves!

 

[mamaKate]

They love to be warm.I wrapped my slightly wild D'uccle in a towel and snuggled her while I watched tv. Now she throws a dancing fit for me to get her out and hold her.

 

[Billyj]

Thanks to everyone who helped. These are such pretty birds. I will try to get pics up soon. They are more white than the coco color with white specks. That is one reason I got them. Just very pretty.

 

[elmo]

Remember, though, that even after your chickens get to know you, chickens aren't like dogs or cats. Most birds don't really like to be petted, although you'll find individuals who do like it, and more who are willing to tolerate it once they get used to it.

Your chickens might actually prefer to sit on your lap and hang out, and that's pretty easy to train them to do with treats.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

I don't see where you mentioned how old they are. When mine (not D'Uccles) were adolescents I was very frustrated by their skittish behavior. I handled them a lot when they were tiny and wondered why they were so "spazzy", as you describe.

As soon as they started laying they calmed down a lot! If yours aren't laying yet, it could simply be adolescent behavior. And the rest of it, as you have been told, is ALL about the treats. Mine stalk me constantly for scratch, meal worms, white rice, BOSS, wheat grass, etc...and one of mine, an EE, literally comes over to me several times a day to "ask" to be held