New to all of this - We are trying, BUT...

[Enchanted1s]

Hi All - First, let me take a second to say how grateful I am for BYC! We have learned so much here! We did not really choose to have chickens - but now we do, so here we are - trying to learn to be responsible chicken owners.

We have one pullet that seems scared of everything and every one. The others are not letting her eat, and I don't know what to do. So far, the chickens have done pretty well at letting us know what they need. I know that this little one needs more to eat - but I dont know what to do about it.

We acquired all of our flock (except the 3 day old babies we just bought) from our neighbor. In May, our hen Tootie flew over the fence to be with us. In June, the neighbor said his 2 Roo's were fighting and wanted to throw one over for our hen. I thought he was kidding, but then there was Rudy. By October, I concluded that they were staying so I better start learning what they need. I proceeded to build them a coop and run. Two days later, the neighbor bought six pullets from the Flea Market - two of them chose to live with us! After spending all of this time and money on these chickens, I wanted some that would let me pick them up and not be afraid of us - so we ordered three female babies this week.

So, one of the pullets is just scared of everyone. I have been spending as much time with them as I can. Just this week, I have been able to get Tootie and one of the pullets to take a Mealworm from my bare hand!! But this other pullet - I just don't know what to do for her. She won't stand up for herself, so all three of the others just scare her off any time she comes near the food. I was working with the pullets today on taking turns (getting a worm) otherwise the scared one gets nothing. I was able to get them to take turns - with me there - but on their own, they don't seem to care that they are bulling her. What should I do?

 

[member 373180]

How strange that your neighbor thinks it's ok to send their chickens to live with you without asking.......

Anyhow, do you have room for multiple feeders so your shy girl doesnt need to compete at the feeding station?

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Wow... with neighbors like that.... :eek

We had a scaredy chick in our bunch as well.... we found that she took to one and only one human.... and that was my mom. I've held her, rocked her, fed her treats, etc etc... and she still runs from me... so, perhaps yours will just be the low chook on the totem pole... definitely install multiple feeders and waterers so she doesn't waste away from being bullied.

 

[Enchanted1s]

Anyhow, do you have room for multiple feeders so your shy girl doesnt need to compete at the feeding station?

I did have four separate feed bowls for them in the coop. Rudy and/or Tootie run her out of the coop. The other pullet doesn't run her out of the coop, but does chase her away if I'm out giving treats.

Just today I put together the 5gal / 3" street elbow feeders. I put three elbows in each bucket. I only have one bucket out there - until I get my check and can buy more Starter/Grower feed. (only had enough for one bucket). This will give them six choices to feed (three places until I can get to Tractor Supply.

 

[Enchanted1s]

Wow... with neighbors like that.... :eek

We had a scaredy chick in our bunch as well.... we found that she took to one and only one human.... and that was my mom. I've held her, rocked her, fed her treats, etc etc... and she still runs from me... so, perhaps yours will just be the low chook on the totem pole... definitely install multiple feeders and waterers so she doesn't waste away from being bullied.

I also put in a PVC dripper system for their water so at least they would have CLEAN water. I am still working the bugs out, but there are currently 4 dripper nipples. I am considering adding a second bucket and another 3 or 4 nipples??

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I also put in a PVC dripper system for their water so at least they would have CLEAN water. I am still working the bugs out, but there are currently 4 dripper nipples. I am considering adding a second bucket and another 3 or 4 nipples??

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I think that would be a good idea. I currently have 2 food troughs and 2, 5 gal waterers with 4 nipples in each bucket. Each set of trough and waterer is located on opposite ends of their run, so no one can be bullied out of getting something to eat or drink... unless their bully is actually stalking their every move.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I think part of the problem might be proximity. When we say keep feeders/waterers apart we mean yards, not feet. If it's in direct line of sight or close proximity of the other feeders it might as well be just one feeder. Not sure what all you can do except give it time and space. You could possibly introduce one more bird. Pen the sad bird in with a gentle buddy until they're flocking and then reintroduce them together. But I'd feel uncomfortable doing even that.

 

[Enchanted1s]

I think part of the problem might be proximity. When we say keep feeders/waterers apart we mean yards, not feet. If it's in direct line of sight or close proximity of the other feeders it might as well be just one feeder. Not sure what all you can do except give it time and space. You could possibly introduce one more bird. Pen the sad bird in with a gentle buddy until they're flocking and then reintroduce them together. But I'd feel uncomfortable doing even that.

I had a separate food and water at the opposite end of the coop for the Teens. It was up on a wide ledge where they often go to get away from Rudy. They didn't seem to eat much of it - but I tried. FINALLY - just this week - they are all four sleeping in the nest box. At first, both teens slept outside of the box, in the coop. The braver one started sleeping in the box, and I would go out each night and put the scared one in. She is going in on her own now.

 

[Chickassan]

It'll get better and better, it's like high school eveybody has to learn their place. The older your scardey pullet gets the braver she'll get. My "chicken" chickens are fighting for food with everyone else now, there was a time when a flying bug would send them scattering.

 

[jthornton]

I also put in a PVC dripper system for their water so at least they would have CLEAN water. I am still working the bugs out, but there are currently 4 dripper nipples. I am considering adding a second bucket and another 3 or 4 nipples??

Your doing good paying attention to them and making adjustments as needed. I find the chickens come to me much better if I'm down at their level and not hovering over them. Some will snuggle and take a nap in my lap and some just sit on my legs and some don't get up on me at all.

I have a nipple bucket on a stand and under the nipples I have a circle of small landscaping stones with some pea gravel in the middle. Keeps it from being a mud hole all the time.

JT