Hens that don't behave like chickens

[liltj829]

I have 2 pullets that I purchased about a month ago. They are pencil laced Plymouth Rocks. I found it odd when I first got them that they are very tame and timid. I placed them in my coop that has free access to outside. They ate and drank like normal. They were inside for a week and didn't even try to figure out how to get out. I have 75 hens that free range so I know the new hens saw the door. I started forcing them outside. They don't pecking at the ground. I've even thrown feed down to encourage it. It's like they don't even see it. How do I teach them to be chickens?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They sound more terrified than anything. Give them time to adjust and mature. Young birds are often meek. If there's 75 other birds they don't know they probably are unsure what to do.

 

[jsr5]

I'd be watching for signs of bullying they sound kinda like the other hens and or some of the other hens are treating them badly and they are just glad for the respite when they go outside and use the time to get food and water they were being denied when other chickens were there. They will learn to assert themselves ore as they get older just make sure they get enough to be healthy. Id probably have started them (I do this myself) in a separate section of the coop for a week or so to let them get acquainted and viceaversa then I just leave the door open so they can venture out on their own. and they still have a "safe" space to retreat to that you have shown the other chickens is theirs. Thats how I do it. At this point I'd just make sure they aren't being overly bullied and rock on.

 

[50-45-1]

2 against 75!!!
They are petrified.
Have you observed how the others treat them?
It cant be good. What are there ages? Your new girls and the 75?

 

[liltj829]

The original hens don't even pay them any attention. I've added new pullets before as young as 4 months old and never had this problem. I think they were in small cages before I got them. I didn't know if maybe not being able to peck around when they were young stunted their development some how. I raise chicks too and have never had any not behave like chickens.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some chickens aren't as busy as others. Could be they are just quieter birds, and as you said they haven't experienced these other normal chicken things.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

i just intergrated 2 silver laced wyandottes.....it took them a while to get adjusted, we would throw down treats and they wouldnt even attempt to go after them..think they were afraid of the other 12 hens....but its been a couple of weeks now and they at least attempt to go after treats now....but the other girls give them the look and they run away.....but they get braver every day...so funny