My chicken will not leave home

[newt13]

Oh my! She's lying on the towel as if she's trying to imitate a person lying down, getting ready to go to sleep. Are you sure she does not think she is a small human (your child)? I've not seen any chickens that lie like this, on a towel. I wish you both luck!

 

[bobbi-j]

Chickens lie down like that when they're trying to dust bathe. They lay in the hole and then flop around, covering themselves with dust. Could be that's what this one is trying to do. She's bonded to her human keeper because chickens are social flock animals and she doesn't have the company of other chickens at the moment.

 

[bridget123]

She knows, you saved her life. She feels safe, special and is bonded to you as your child. She thinks she is a non-chicken. There is no mirror, except you. If she became broody, or you can trigger it by moving her to a nesting box with some 'day old fertilized eggs' in the nesting material and place her on top. Remember, she's special, so use some of her 'blanket' cut up into smallish pieces, enough so she can have the scent of it under her. If you wanted to calm her take a t-shirt you have worn enough so your scent is on it and with some painters tape etc... tape the t-shirt behind her and then tack a few nails into the tape to hold it in place. Move her during the night, when it is dark, in order for this to possibly work. You might have try this a few times. Simulate some of the stongest scents from your room and have a clock nearby, so she can't see it but hear it (simulating your heartbeat). Your t-shirt scent=safety and the ticking=your nearby.

That is a really good idea thankyou

 

[bridget123]

I am going to try sit with her outside for 1 or 2 hours a day. I really dont mind if she does live inside, i just want her to bond with the 3 other hens so she is not so lonely when we go out of the day lol

 

[junebuggena]

Chickens hate change and introductions need to be done slowly and gradually. Generally, it works best to have a temporary coop/run setup next to the main flock so that they can get used to each other for a few weeks without feeling that their territory is being threatened. Then you can start letting them mingle.

 

[Peppercorngal]

Do what you feel in your heart is right. You love her and she loves you and if you don't mind a chicken acting like a dog and following you around and sleeping in the house, great! It ain't nobody's business but yours! She will mature and eventually get curious and want to be with her kind more and more. Take heart and enjoy this special time of being close. She is a beauty, a special girl and I think one day she will grow up and go out for good. Enjoy your monster while you can!