New to keeping hens - need some tips on my re-homed girls

[EmilyT]

Hi there!

Thanks for your response! I already have some different water and feeding stations - as well as food scattering for enrichment. Unfortunately, the bully is very 'on it' with her guarding.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Hi everyone,

I'm completely new here and have stumbled across this forum while trying to catch-up on my hen homework, (as it were). I'm new to keeping hens and have stumbled across a 2 main issues I'd appreciate some tips and tricks on. I've rehomed 3 hens: a buff orpington, a dominique (or rather small plymouth rock) and a gorgeous and rather large black hen (undecided on her breed). I've had the hens approaching 2 weeks.

Prior to re-homing them I was informed that the BO was starting to peck the DOM after her most recent molt. Twinned with a relocation this has continued (unsurprisingly), but I do not want it to get worse and think it is a case of bullying over pecking order antics. The BO does seem to be quite mean in nature. The DOM is significantly smaller and I do worry that she will get worse in condition, (I am treating with a purple livestock wound spray when my aim is good enough)... this leads to my second issue...

All of the girls are very skittish. While I understand this is a new environment I would like to help them get used to my presence inside and outside of their home - mostly for they health. This is providing very difficult.... and is unsurprisingly stressful for them when I enter their space.

If I could have any tips on: chicken bullying & gaining their trust I would really appreciate it!

*They have lots of toys enrichment. Currently not free-roaming due to settling in/handling issue and avian flu restrictions in my area.

Heres how i get mine friendly. Mine snuggle with me for sometimes hours, and love attention. Heres how i got mine un-skittish.

Do not chase them to pick them up. Talk in a gentle, quiet voice and don’t make startling fast movements. Let them eat out of your hand and let them see you touch other chickens and pet them (if you have others.)

Sit out there with them for a while and repeat the process. This can take a very long time so don’t get flustered if it takes longer then you might think. I have bought many chickens that were adults and never got worked with and it took a few weeks for some, a few months for others. Sometimes longer to fully gain their trust.

Either way, be patient. They will come around, some faster then others. Best of luck!