How do you get 14 week old pullets to like you?

[TyrannosaurusChix]

im still trying to figure it out. the younger i get them the better it seems but the ones in the big house copy the older ones. a lot of them arent afraid, or that afraid.. and then there are some who think i have the cooties, and apparently they wouldnt eat them off of me LOL..


but with a feed bucket or something else they all love me. i can go in at night and touch them and stuff.

 

[farmgirls]

One of our girls attacked my husband from behind because he was blocking the coop door (scratched his back)! The same one flew at me for standing in the doorway of the coop the day before. What's up with this behavior? This is a bit intimidating. We are certainly not as relaxed around them as usual. Anyone have any suggestions? Please tell me they are getting ready to lay or something. I am hoping it is not just a possessed chicken! Chicken soup might be next.

 

[PepsNick]

OMG! NOOOO CHICKEN SOUP!! Wait... sorry, do what you want.
Well how old are they? Could they be agressivly broody?

 

[farmgirls]

No, I am only kidding! Our girls are just for eggs. They are almost 17 weeks old. This behavior just started so I was thinking maybe they are getting ready to lay. I don't know. This is our first flock. Any ideas? We now know not to block the coop door when they are ready to roost, especially when the white rock is near. The Rhodies appear a little calmer and one of the Black Stars are a little aggressive and very vocal. Maybe it's egg time!

 

[PepsNick]

I'm thinking so! You must of got yours from Mucmurray hatchery, right? Because I know they call them "Black Stars". Black stars are actually Black Sexlinks, Mumurray just doesn't say that. Sexlinks can lay as early as 15 weeks, so I bet it's time! Good luck!

 

[farmgirls]

Yes, you are absolutely right! They are black sexlinks and we did get them from McMurray. Is this natural behavior before laying (PMS)? Very exciting! Have to keep my eye out. Yeah!!!!

 

[PepsNick]

It's semi-comment (not much), but this does happen sometimes. I bet that's what it is. After a week or so of egg laying this should stop

 

[farmgirls]

That is great news! I'll keep you posted. Let's hope for eggs. They were so pleasant before. Thank you!

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

my chickens get really mean before they lay and then they are really sweet as soon as they start.

 

[PepsNick]

Quote:
Great! Maybe you should change your signature... they aren't chicks anymore! And I have a bichon, too!