New Pullets quite a bit skiddish!

[ChicksinBoise]

Hi all! I just got 6 new pullets that were hatched in mid-march (4 months old about). Two leghorns, 1 EE and 3 Black Sexlinks. They came from a lady that was very knowlegable about chickens, I thought.

We got them home a few days ago and they are soooo skiddish! I mean, one of us can just walk into the run and the EE and Leghorns freak out. The SexLinks aren't quite as bad.

Also, they are soo mean to our 3 younger pullets that are not as old (11 weeks).

Is all this normal behavior and if so how long til they settle down, if they settle down? When are they expected to start laying eggs?

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I would say it is normal behavior. They need time to get used to their new home and new coop mates. Just give them lots of treats and play with them often. Every chicken is different so there is not telling if they may settle down in a week or a month or at all.

You may want to consider separating your younger ones, they will get quite picked on otherwise, they are still too small to hold their own. Well, that's what I'd do anyway.

I would expect the sex-links to start laying very soon and the others to follow, usually by 6 months everyone starts laying.

 

[ChicksinBoise]

Quote:
Thanks! I guess it's treat time for them.

That's interesting you mention the SexLinks first, I would've thought the 2 Leghorns would be the first to start laying.

 

[ChicksinBoise]

Anybody else have any thoughts?

 

[momoftwinsinwi]

I've read alot about Leghorns - I have CA whites which is a Leghorn cross and every site I've seen on them says the Leghorn is a very skittish bird. No need to worry, give them treats

 

[rosyposyosy]

VEEERRRRRRY normal. my birchin cochin bantam cockerel(wow thats a mouth full) was the only chicken that would let me hold him. then i had to get rid of him (oh i loved him!!) and my americauna and my black cochin bantam dont let me hold them. i'm working on the americauna - but my black cochin is really flighty - everynight she flys on a specific branch on our tree in our back yard. gordita (the americauna) runs away, so its easier to handle her.