Chickens are terrified of me and don't look so good. Help!!

Katie M.

In the Brooder
Aug 1, 2017
8
5
11
About a month ago now my boyfriend's grandmother surprised him with a beautiful grey polish hen and what I believe to be a black dutch bantam hen to give to me as a gift, knowing i was rather upset about losing my only chicken not too long before. It was sweet but now I'm honestly wishing they stayed where they should have, their old home. I did NOT expect them to be this afraid of me upon opening the box and the bantam even escaped to under my shed for a whole night when they were first brought in my yard and I couldn't get her out until the next day (talk about a heart attack). Now knowing how scared they were, I saw on here it could take up to two weeks for them to adjust to their settings and gave them space. Four weeks later they still will absolutely not touch pellets and will only munch on some half boiled oats and the occasional scrambled egg or lunch meat scraps (I know it's not a great meal, but I just need them to eat SOMETHING☹️) I've tried so many things! The previous owner only fed them scraps and the only time he interacted with them was to collect eggs. One day when it got very hot I gave them some water with an electrolyte mix I got at the tractor supply store and they seemed like they felt better, but still depressed. Now the Polish hens comb is turning grey and her face is losing it's vibrant pink color and the bantams comb is falling over, and they're starting to not eat the food I put out. They don't seem ill but I can't be sure because they get so stressed when I'm in their coop to change water or collect the occasional egg, so it's near difficult to observe! I feel terrible, if I can't care for them I'll have to re-home them somehow and I'm worried about them ending up in a place where they'll be killed when they're no longer useful or if they can't ever tolerate people. Ive had chickens since I was young and have never had this issue. Anyone have a similar problem or maybe know how to help? :(
 
The only thing I know is to spend time with them and earn their trust. I generally spend a lot of time with my birds while in the brooder, but I had one batch that I neglected and paid for it dearly. However, with the help of the other birds and patience they finally came around and will now greet me rather than run--but it took weeks, if not months to get there. And lots of treats. I have no idea how to deal with a bird that has never had a solid ration... All I can think of is keep trying.:confused:
 
Welcome to BYC!!
They'll warm up to you. Maybe they won't be lap chickens, but they will get to know you.
BTW, many many BYC people say their birds don't like pellets. Try wetting them and make a mash to the consistency of mashed potatoes....
Good luck.
 
Half of my hens were scared of me and the other half fly on my shoulder when i walk outside.
I earned the other hens trust by hand feeding some treats and just sitting around them so they can get used to me. Took a few weeks but we are all a big happy cuddly family now!
Just be patient, I am sure with time they will learn to love ya! :)
 
The only thing I know is to spend time with them and earn their trust. I generally spend a lot of time with my birds while in the brooder, but I had one batch that I neglected and paid for it dearly. However, with the help of the other birds and patience they finally came around and will now greet me rather than run--but it took weeks, if not months to get there. And lots of treats. I have no idea how to deal with a bird that has never had a solid ration... All I can think of is keep trying.:confused:
Thank you for your reply!! Was it weeks or months? I'm worried with the way they're eating they won't have that much time. how helpful were the other chickens?
 
Welcome to BYC!!
They'll warm up to you. Maybe they won't be lap chickens, but they will get to know you.
BTW, many many BYC people say their birds don't like pellets. Try wetting them and make a mash to the consistency of mashed potatoes....
Good luck.
At this point I don't care if they like me, I just want them to be healthy and happy. Thank you for the advice though, I will try that.
 
Maybe try crumble rather than pellets? And in this summer heat, I don't know of any chicken who would turn down a piece of cold watermelon! Could be a way to make friends...good luck, I would be a wreck also.
 
Maybe try crumble rather than pellets? And in this summer heat, I don't know of any chicken who would turn down a piece of cold watermelon! Could be a way to make friends...good luck, I would be a wreck also.
Crumble? But thank you, I will try!
 
I would also try fermenting the food.
Its very good for them with tons of health benefits and my flock loves it.
 

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