My pullets are terrified of me

[vlass]

They're only three weeks old but we've had them since they were only a couple of days. They were super friendly until about 4 days ago and would come and jump into our hands and got excited when they saw us. I think my two year old scared them though and they're a little traumatized. She never touched them or picked them up but for a while was running into the room with the brooder, announcing herself VERY loudly and waving her arms about over the top. We eventually put a lock on the outside of the door so she couldn't get in. Now she's not allowed at all until we figure out how to get them adjusted again. I know chickens are finicky at certain stages and I'm trying to go in slow into the brooder, sit with them on the floor and let them come to me, and just be patient. What sort of treats would you suggest for them to really get them to come around? We tried egg and they didn't want anything to do with it til I left.

 

[PraiseGod]

They're only three weeks old but we've had them since they were only a couple of days. They were super friendly until about 4 days ago and would come and jump into our hands and got excited when they saw us. I think my two year old scared them though and they're a little traumatized. She never touched them or picked them up but for a while was running into the room with the brooder, announcing herself VERY loudly and waving her arms about over the top. We eventually put a lock on the outside of the door so she couldn't get in. Now she's not allowed at all until we figure out how to get them adjusted again. I know chickens are finicky at certain stages and I'm trying to go in slow into the brooder, sit with them on the floor and let them come to me, and just be patient. What sort of treats would you suggest for them to really get them to come around? We tried egg and they didn't want anything to do with it til I left.

scratch grains are good. Bugs and worms are great. I'd sit in the garden and dig worms and have them eat out of my hand. Maybe more than treats(a huge maybe), spending a little extra time would work also. Having them think you are a part of the flock. pullets are silly and will probably grow out of it.

 

[snow5164]

I actually sit on the ground with my pullets and talk on the phone, or play a game on my phone and talk /sing to them .

Sounds crazy I know , but they know my voice and are still a little skittish if I just walk in and don't " introduce myself

"

We are very huge to them