So, had 5 chickens last spring. . ..something got into the coop (placed on friend's property 20 mi. from home) late fall and got all but one. Found a good home for the one survivor. Now, tho I am in an HOA (and against my husband's better judgement) I have 8 new chickens and just transferred them from the garage to their new coop up behind our shed on far end of our property so they are closer to me . . .(don't tell the HOA)
So, last group was very friendly and this group has been handled a lot and 4 are very friendly but skittish yet when we reach for them to pick them up. When they run the other way . ..makes it extremely difficult to get them out of the coop and into a fenced run area where they can free range. If I continue to try to get them out, each day, will they eventually warm up to being reached for and picked up, and not run so much. Coop is small enuf and big enuf at the same time but when they all huddle in the back corner I can't get to them and get them out. They are only about 16 weeks old . ..how can I coerce them towards to coop door so that I can grab them and transfer them to the run? Any ideas? It will get easier, yes?
So, last group was very friendly and this group has been handled a lot and 4 are very friendly but skittish yet when we reach for them to pick them up. When they run the other way . ..makes it extremely difficult to get them out of the coop and into a fenced run area where they can free range. If I continue to try to get them out, each day, will they eventually warm up to being reached for and picked up, and not run so much. Coop is small enuf and big enuf at the same time but when they all huddle in the back corner I can't get to them and get them out. They are only about 16 weeks old . ..how can I coerce them towards to coop door so that I can grab them and transfer them to the run? Any ideas? It will get easier, yes?
and Welcome To BYC! X2, chickens often don't like to be picked up, though they will get used to it. Practice picking them up and hand feeding them treats while you are holding them sometimes helps, besides using treats as bribes to get them close to you... practice catching and releasing them so they get used to getting caught and getting a treat then let go. Pullets often become friendlier when they start to lay also. You might consider using a net to catch them in the corner if they are hard to get to.
