Mille fleurs?

[La3la]

Hello I have a 4 month old Mille fleur. She’s extremely skittish even for a chicken that hasn’t been handled a lot. I got her from some guy in CT. Shes so skittish she runs so fast she trips over her long feathered feet. Does anyone know if she’d be okay if I clipped them shorter? And or how to help calm her down part of me feels like maybe she wasn’t taken care very well so maybe that has to do with her odd behavior. I’m really worried and I don’t know exactly whats the best way to help her.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I personally would just handle her and let her see that you aren't hurting her. Share some snacks, but not too many. Scrambled egg and meal worms are a hit.

Milli Fleur is actually a color pattern. From your description, I am guessing that you mean bearded Belgian d'Uccle? Cute birds! Talk to her in a calm reassuring voice. Talking usually increases anxiety for the birds, but I find it beneficial they get to know my voice since I always talk to them as I approach. Chickens are capable of recognizing up to 100 faces. My favorite to time to handle is on roost shortly after things have mostly settled down for the evening. I wouldn't assume mishandling or care unless there was an indicator otherwise. All birds are individuals and will behave as such. Broody raised chicks are also often a little wild.

Hope she settles down for ya.

 

[La3la]

I personally would just handle her and let her see that you aren't hurting her. Share some snacks, but not too many. Scrambled egg and meal worms are a hit.

Milli Fleur is actually a color pattern. From your description, I am guessing that you mean bearded Belgian d'Uccle? Cute birds! Talk to her in a calm reassuring voice. Talking usually increases anxiety for the birds, but I find it beneficial they get to know my voice since I always talk to them as I approach. Chickens are capable of recognizing up to 100 faces. My favorite to time to handle is on roost shortly after things have mostly settled down for the evening. I wouldn't assume mishandling or care unless there was an indicator otherwise. All birds are individuals and will behave as such. Broody raised chicks are also often a little wild.

Hope she settles down for ya.

Yeah thats what i meant but shes not bearded. Thank you so much! I’ll try all of that and see if she calms down at all.

 

[redranger209]

Cochin? Here’s a pic of my girl. She’s got feathered legs too. Also extremely skiddish.

 

[La3la]

Cochin? Here’s a pic of my girl. She’s got feathered legs too. Also extremely skiddish.

Shes not a Cochin but your hen is adorable. My hen I believe is a kind of d’uccle but with no beard. Idk the exact name tho.

 

[Alexandra33]

Sounds as though you've got a pretty Mille Fleur Booted bantam!

I agree, handling after roosting time, when everybody is nice and calm, is a very good method of getting chooks comfortable with your touch. Tasty treats are another ticket to a bird's heart. If you are able to build her up to the point where she'll eat out of your hand, she'll most likely be more trusting.

Pullets also generally settle down considerably at point of lay.

~Alex

 

[La3la]

Sounds as though you've got a pretty Mille Fleur Booted bantam!

I agree, handling after roosting time, when everybody is nice and calm, is a very good method of getting chooks comfortable with your touch. Tasty treats are another ticket to a bird's heart. If you are able to build her up to the point where she'll eat out of your hand, she'll most likely be more trusting.

Pullets also generally settle down considerably at point of lay.

~Alex

Thank youuu! Yeah she hasn’t started laying yet so hopefully that’ll change things when she starts. Ill start handling her before I lock them up for the night

 

[Alexandra33]

Thank youuu! Yeah she hasn’t started laying yet so hopefully that’ll change things when she starts. Ill start handling her before I lock them up for the night

You're more than welcome!

It's likely she'll transform into a completely different girl after that first egg.

~Alex

 

[La3la]

You're more than welcome!

It's likely she'll transform into a completely different girl after that first egg.

~Alex

I hope so!!