my 3 month old Araucana does not like to be bothered

[edithbunker]

I have 4,3 month old hens, 1 black rock, 2 RIR and 1 araucana. THe araucana does not like to be held, played with, she rarley even comes up to me at all while the other 3 love me. Is this normal? How can I get her to not be so fussy. I have handled these babes since they were 1 day old.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
I think chickens have different personalities just like humans do. Some are outgoing and some are stand-offish. It sounds like you handled them all the same way, so socialization isn't the issue, perhaps that's jsut her personality to prefer being left alone. I think it's totally normal.

 

[kano]

Forgive me, but...do you think they really love you.? They come to you because you feed them. They are not pets.

 

[edithbunker]

They do love me, they are my pets, and they can be pets. Thanks

 

[kano]

Sorry, I didn't want to be rude.

 

[fldiver97]

It seems some chickens go through a 'teenager phase' for lack of a better description, at least that's what happened at my house. They were OK being handled when young, then 2 out of the 5 became very standoffish for a couple of months. Once they were laying they have all become more friendly and personable. Also, chickens do seem to have very individual personalities that don't always fit the breed description. Oh well, they are just feathered smaller people, can't blame them, can we ??

 

[edithbunker]

no Problem, understood, But I have had people say that to me and I cannot stand it. They are my babes, it took years to be able to have them and I have always wanted them so Im quite attached...lol

 

[edithbunker]

Quote:
Thanks!

 

[alaskachick]

I feel your pain. All 11 of my 16 weeks chickens treat me like I am a wolf, fox, or wild dog. As soon as I come into the gate, they high tail it as far from me as possible. They will run in their coop and hide till I leave. I come in with grapes, peaches and all kinds of food to win their trust, but to no avail. I have never been mean to them. I posted about this 2 weeks ago, and everyone said to spend time with them and let them see I am the food source. I have tried and they are not very responsive. They are happy out in their huge, huge coop and yard. They take dust baths all day and all make holes in the dirt and lay in them. When they hear me coming they are running for their lives. So I understand how much you want a chicken to trust and feel comfortable enuff to enjoy your presence. Hope you have success with that one gal.

 

[Arcane Araucana]

Quote:
Kano, I see you are in Chile. I am sure your comment is just a cultural misunderstanding and that you did not mean to be rude. Many of the people on this board are raising chickens not just for their eggs and meat, but for their companionship as pets. I positively believe that my 3 month old araucana "Kitty" cares for me, not just because I feed her but because I have raised her as a pet since she was hatched. I am the only mother she has ever known. I taught her and her siblings how to drink and what is good to eat, how to sit on frozen water bottles to cool off and to go in the coop when its bedtime. And the reason she is named Kitty is because when she was just a little fuzzy butt she would lay in my lap and make the most wonderful little happy chortle like a purr. I originally started to raise chickens for their eggs, but I am surprised at how attached I have become to them and how affectionate they can be towards me. I know it is not just because I bring the food, but for my company as well. All 4 of my birds will sit in my lap and rub their face against my hand to have their neck rubbed. This is my Kitty at 11 weeks.