Making friends with a new hen

[puddinbabe]

I have a lonely hen and am getting her a friend this week. My hen is very nice. She follows me around, wants treats, doesn't mind if I pick her up or examine her. I can't find anyone else around that has such "domesticated" hens. So I'll be getting one that, as the sellers say, "can be caught" but that's about it.

The question is - is there anything I can do to more quickly make friends with the new hen? She'll hopefully follow the lead of the established hen and see that I don't mean harm and that I have food, but any other suggestions would be helpful.

I think the new girl will be an Astralorp or Americana. Thanks for the help in advance!

annie

 

[Attack Chicken]

Chickens are usually social critters, but here and there you just get a grump that doesn't want a friend. Your hen sounds nice and friendly I don't think you'll have a problem. A way to a chickens heart is through its tummy

Goodluck keep us posted

 

[AllChookUp]

Yes, treats are the key. This time of year, maybe warm oatmeal, cracked corn, veggies, etc. I think things will work out fine for you and the "ladies".

Oh, and

BTW, I love your moniker - puddinbabe!

 

[dixiechick]

We bought a hen like the one you are thinking about...and she follows the behaviors of her mate now....she now allows us to handfeed her crickets and grasshoppers (which is a huge step for her). She's coming around.

BTW -- where are you located....maybe a few of us have "friendly" birds to share...