New to chicken world

[JaimeW]

our family is new to chickens and it has been quite an experience already. Got our first 5 hens (not hens) in May and found out we had 3 roosters and 2 hens. did some switching (a few times) but we are now successfully rooster free and have 6 hens. We have 5 white Orpingtons and 1 mixed-not-so-sure hen. The Orp's are 6 months and the mix is about 5 months.

We are still waiting for eggs and our hens are super super scared of us. We try daily to interact with them and keep them on the same schedule so they know what to expect.

Any advice on getting them more comfortable with us would be great.

We live in Northeast so winter is coming quickly. The girls have a small coop with attached run but are allowed to room our yard (fenced 1/2 acre) daily. Thankfully they all get along really well and come back to coop at night without help.

Thanks in advance

 

[BullChick]

 

[BullChick]

Sit outside, and read with them. Offer treats (in moderation), and use a special container and/or call to get them excited.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.

We are glad you joined our flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

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[shayann]

Hello &

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

our family is new to chickens and it has been quite an experience already. Got our first 5 hens (not hens) in May and found out we had 3 roosters and 2 hens. did some switching (a few times) but we are now successfully rooster free and have 6 hens. We have 5 white Orpingtons and 1 mixed-not-so-sure hen. The Orp's are 6 months and the mix is about 5 months.

We are still waiting for eggs and our hens are super super scared of us. We try daily to interact with them and keep them on the same schedule so they know what to expect.

Any advice on getting them more comfortable with us would be great.

We live in Northeast so winter is coming quickly. The girls have a small coop with attached run but are allowed to room our yard (fenced 1/2 acre) daily. Thankfully they all get along really well and come back to coop at night without help.

Thanks in advance

Hiya! Welcome to BYC, we're glad to have you here!

I sort of had the same problem that you did when we first got our hens. When they were pullets, and around your hens' age, they weren't very nice or acclimated to us.

There are some stories, including when they ate both of my diamond earrings, but we'll skip those. When they get older, it's likely they will be friendlier. Especially Orps, from what I've heard.
I sit down with them and hold them daily. The more you do it, the more friendly they will be. Don't you worry!

Make yourself at home, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC!

 

[FortCluck]

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Talk softly, move slowly, exert patience , tempt with feed - they will come to trust you eventually.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Start by staying still with your arm all the way out strait with food in your hand, or toss out food and sit down beside it while they eat. That's a start, just make sure to stay super still. Good luck.