Hen terrified of me...worried about laying

[Erin80]

I have a 4 month old Icelandic pullet who is and has always been terrified of me. As soon as she sees me moving anywhere near her, she runs away full force. All our other birds will come into the coop when called, but she won't go anywhere near us no matter what we are offering her. She is incredibly fast and catching her is really hard.
Obviously she's not laying yet, but I'm worried that she is too scared to lay in the coop and might go off into the bushes where she knows she's guaranteed to be alone. I have three girls (9, 6 1/2 and 4) who are in and out of the coop all day, and my 9 year old is out with them a ton. Despite gentle handling when she was young, this pullet is just terrified.
What are the odds that her fearfulness will stop her from laying in the nesting boxes in the coop?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have some very flighty hens, all have laid in my coop. Certain breeds are more skiddish.

 

[bobbi-j]

I have a 4 month old Icelandic pullet who is and has always been terrified of me. As soon as she sees me moving anywhere near her, she runs away full force. All our other birds will come into the coop when called, but she won't go anywhere near us no matter what we are offering her. She is incredibly fast and catching her is really hard.
Obviously she's not laying yet, but I'm worried that she is too scared to lay in the coop and might go off into the bushes where she knows she's guaranteed to be alone. I have three girls (9, 6 1/2 and 4) who are in and out of the coop all day, and my 9 year old is out with them a ton. Despite gentle handling when she was young, this pullet is just terrified.
What are the odds that her fearfulness will stop her from laying in the nesting boxes in the coop?

I can't answer that, but I will suggest that maybe you try to stop catching her. I'm not sure why you're trying to catch her, but you need to keep in mind that chickens are prey animals. It's their instinct to run from things that are chasing them. Maybe your 9 year old can work on making friends with her another way. I don't make pets of my chickens, but I have read that going out and sitting quietly among the chickens, tossing them treats once in awhile will help. As they get used to you tossing treats some distance from yourself, you just keep bringing them in closer with the treats until they're used to you. Be consistent, let them come to you.

 

[rosemarythyme]

She might calm down a little once she gets to point of lay. My EE was super skittish for months and once she started laying she's been far friendlier and easier to catch (as she likes walking out of the run behind me).

I also agree that chasing her won't get you anywhere. Let her come up to you IF she chooses, instead of going and trying to get her.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I agree. Sitting with everyone and being mostly quiet can be helpful. If she sees the others getting close and getting treats she may think it's a good idea too. I'd say no sudden movements as well. If the others come around and you talk soothingly and move slowly you're less threatening.
She may never change her mind about being friendly but hopefully won't continue to run from you like you're trying to eat her.

 

[Erin80]

I don't try to catch her often....this isn't an every day thing. Once in a while I need her in the run though...she won't come to me, so I have to catch her to put her away if I need to. I don't really have a choice. I don't make a point of chasing her around every day....I talk to her from afar and give her her space.....

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I don't try to catch her often....this isn't an every day thing. Once in a while I need her in the run though...she won't come to me, so I have to catch her to put her away if I need to. I don't really have a choice. I don't make a point of chasing her around every day....I talk to her from afar and give her her space.....

There are going to be times when it's unavoidable that you'll have to make her uncomfortable. You can try and herd her with the others and see if that works. But it sounds like your doing what you can.
I have some that walk right up to me. Others come for treats but would rather I not touch them. Then a few that wouldn't come up to me even if something was chasing them. Your girl may come around and she may not. Keep trying, you never know.

 

[aart]

Get her off the roost at night in the dark with a dim headlight so you can see and handle her, it will get her used to you.
Stay calm and confident, keep her wings secured against body with both hands, talk softly. Just get her in your arms(football hold) and hold her until she calms a bit and touch her gently.
Put her feet back on roost and slowly let go of her wings.
Do this a couple times a week, will be good for you both.

 

[Molpet]

I throw treats in the run/coop when I need to lock up a wayward bird. chasing is a last resort

 

[andreanar]

This is why I get my chickens hooked on crack! (scratch). I shake the can of it when I need them in the coop or run, then throw in a handful and walk away. Once I walk away, even my nervous Nelly goes in.