Nervous new Barnevelder

[5C2k1H]

Hi All,

I am new to keeping chickens and am already having problems

I picked up 2 Barnevelder pullets (approx 10 wks old) 2 weeks ago and they just seem so unhappy. They have a smallish hen house and run but a 30sqm free range area but they just spend all of their time either in the hen house nesting boxes or in a corner under a bush. They only come out when one of us is around. Their area is fairly close to a road so I was wondering could they be scared of the traffic noise, although the road isn't that busy.
I am planning on getting 2 Faverolles to keep them company but cannot pick them up for another 2 weeks but I don't know if I can watch my 2 gorgeous sad Barnies for another 2 weeks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Helen

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! It sounds like they are scared to come outside. Try and tempt them out with treats and spend some time with them outside, when you can. I've had the same problem with some battery hens I bought a few years ago. Took weeks before they started free ranging by themselves. Good luck!

 

[All Henned Up]

loud noises syress them, try a quieter location if there is a lot of road noise
Welcome and enjoy!
Steve.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You could cover the sides of the run on one or two sides to make them feel more secure.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! You could also try posting to this forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Agree it mostly just sounds like they are scared to come outside because they aren't used to it. Young chickens often don't like open areas, especially if you have hawks flying around. You might try and give them a little more cover.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[5C2k1H]

Thanks guys for your advice...a big help to a newbie!!!
I have provided them with a lot more cover...we had lots of fun moving all the kids old cubby houses into their area and joining them with various panels.
That helped a lot. However the miracle came when I bought them 2 new buddies, an 8 week old Australorp and a 10wk old Faverolles. The Australorp immediately became their best mate and she is much braver than the Barnies. They are now out foraging around, although they are still very nervous and flighty but I can cope with that for they are much happier.
Now I have to think what to do with my darling Faverolles....I didn't know that they don't mix well with other breeds and although she doesn't get picked on she just roams around on her own and tries to roost outside the coop. Maybe I need a new faverolles friend for her too.....is this how owning a big flock begins