How to get my chicken to trust me again???

[Differentiation]

So Ive got three chickens. I bought them all at the POL stage and I got on with all them them well. They would eat from my hand and let me pet them and pick them up. Unfortunately one of them got ill and I got it replaced. It is this one that I had trouble bonding with. She used to get afraid and panic every time I was around despite the other two enjoying my company. After I picked her up however she became more comfortable around me. But today I tried picking her up today and she panicked so much that her feathers came off. I feel so bad cause it must've hurt, tho she is molting so they didn't come off with difficulty. Now its back to square one with her. She's terrified of me again. How can I bond with her again???

 

[chickens really]

Not all Birds want to be picked up..I never pick mine up..I have one that eats out of people's hands if offered..My Birds follow me around, although I don't touch them..

 

[Differentiation]

Not all Birds want to be picked up..I never pick mine up..I have one that eats out of people's hands if offered..My Birds follow me around, although I don't touch them..

Yea I understand that now. I won't try it again but she's so scared of me now

 

[chickens really]

Yea I understand that now. I won't try it again but she's so scared of me now

Just ignore her and let her relax again around you...

 

[oceansunset73]

None of mine ever want to be picked up. They tolerate me petting them softly though but only for a short time. They will eat from my hand, follow me around, and try to communicate with me with their little brrrr's and bawks. I have to respect their wishes, even though I would like to think they still need a great big hug from me. I'll take what I can get.

 

[oceansunset73]

Also, if a chicken is molting, they tend to be a bit more sensitive so it probably didn't feel very good for her. Give her some time and let her come to you, she will when she is ready again. Be patient.

 

[Differentiation]

Also, if a chicken is molting, they tend to be a bit more sensitive so it probably didn't feel very good for her. Give her some time and let her come to you, she will when she is ready again. Be patient.

Thanks for the encouragement Felts so guilty for upsetting her...

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yeah molting can make a chicken feel pretty miserable and sensitive. My Welsummer is molting pretty hard but had a minor case of bumblefoot that I wanted to keep an eye on. Had to hold her still while checking her feet and she was screaming like she was on the menu or something. Previous to the hard molt she was pretty easy to handle and I don't doubt she'll return to normal after she's done.

 

[Chickassan]

I trust you've apologized? If so make her a nice treat bowl with fruit maybe some peanuts and mealworms. She'll forgive you eventually, food bribes just speed up the process.

 

[twilightgecko]

mine are all sweet.. i can pick all up, but some like it more than others.. so, food treats.. they can't resist.. have them eating out of your hand and pet them.. no jumpy, jerky, fast motions at them and they will relax and trust you.. they might never like being picked up, but you can definitely grow closer.. the more patient you are, the more handling and treats.. they will come around more..