Holding hens

[Crysta]

Hello Backyard Chicken Community!

Recently I lost my most friendly hen, Dora, to my dog. Dora would often fly over the fence into dog territory, the other evening we did not notice and sadly my dog got to her

.

Now, I only have only one hen out of six that like to be picked up and held. Before I was OK with having just two hens that would let me carry them, thinking that the others will warm up to me and let me hold them after a while of seeing me carry those two. I am afraid now, since 5 out 6 are scared of me, that they'll never warm up to being held

. I recently started picking each hen up before letting them out to free range in the morning/noon, and this seems to be working but once they are out free ranging their is no catching them unless I corner them (which I don't do, that will just make them more scared of being held).

Do you guys have any tips on how to get my hens more comfortable being held?
I know that personalities and how docile they are are closely related to breed of chicken, I've read that the breeds I have are supposed to be friendly (Wyandottes 2, RIR 1, and Easter Eggers/"Ameruicanas" 2)! I give my hens treats often so they all eat out of my hand and run up to me when I squat down to be at their level, its just holding them is impossible while free ranging.

Dora and my other friendly hen are Barred Rocks, I highly recommend this breed for those who are looking for curious, friendly chickens

Thanks, Crysta

 

[sourland]

As they are a prey species most chickens are somewhat afraid of being held/confined unless they have had extensive socialization as chicks. There's your solution - get some chicks.

 

[Crysta]

Thanks for the reply!!
I've raised all my hens from chicks!

Its when I added them to flock that they started not liking me as much... The older hens would get start pecking at the younger ones when they were around me. I've noticed the girls at the top of the pecking order are more friendly then the ones at the bottom.