Panicky pullets

[ButtersPA]

This is my first time raising chickens. We got (4) one day old peeps, after getting over the every day fear that they were dying, things went smoothly. We didn't handle them excessively, and they did not like being held when we did.Now they are 6 weeks old & we have been moving them outside during the day & back into the large brooder in our garage at night. It seems they are becoming increasingly afraid of my husband and I, and they start jumping around in a panic whenever we approach. This is upsetting to us as you can imagine. We do offer treats and affection, but they seem more afraid with each passing week. Any advice on how we can regain their trust?

 

[SIMZ]

To tell you the truth, most of my chickens would act like that when being rounded up. My guess is that once you stop catching them, and they settle into a coop, they'll stop acting like you're an ax murderer. Some of it is the age that their at, too. They seem to go through a crazy, flighty stage. Don't worry - this too shall pass.

 

[CityCAChicken]

The goal is to make the chickens associate you with pleasure <-- This is key!

As a result, take grapes or raisins and give the chickens a treat. You will read you should limit the treats (that logically makes sense) however if you have treats with you and give them treats for a week or two...I don't think that will hurt them.


Here is what I have done in the past:

Go in the evening, call their name or "chick chick" or whatever you plan to call them.
Give them a treat, walk away

In the AM…do the same.


Try this for two weeks. Are they getting less skittish during each visit? In theory the chickens should associate you calling them as a good thing.

If you are seeing improvements, I would try for another week. If you are not seeing any improvement at all after two weeks, you may never make much progress – ever.

 

[WilhelminaD]

My chicks run around like crazy when I go down to check on them/feed them, cheeping up a storm. However, as soon as I settle down and sit next to them I get swarmed by them and they love taking treats from my hands, perching on my fingers/arms/shoulder. It's the towering over them and moving around that gets their feathers ruffled.

 

[3riverschick]

This is my first time raising chickens. We got (4) one day old peeps, after getting over the every day fear that they were dying, things went smoothly. We didn't handle them excessively, and they did not like being held when we did.Now they are 6 weeks old & we have been moving them outside during the day & back into the large brooder in our garage at night. It seems they are becoming increasingly afraid of my husband and I, and they start jumping around in a panic whenever we approach. This is upsetting to us as you can imagine. We do offer treats and affection, but they seem more afraid with each passing week. Any advice on how we can regain their trust?

What breed do you have? Some are historically more skittish than others. Did you know when chickens are very content they actually purr? I tried it one time with my chickens. Just sat quietly outside the run and started making a purring sound. They all stopped and cocked their heads listening to me. It was really interesting. Also when I bring them food I make the same clucking sound they make when the girls lay an egg or the boys call the girls over to see a goodie they found for them. It gets their attention. Think like a chicken, not a dog or cat. the former are prey animals which get eaten by the latter. Think like a fraidy cat when you approach them. What would frighten you if anything coming from any direction would always be trying to eat you? Then do the opposite. I also fed treats thru the wire. Crouched or sat outside the wire and stuck fresh greens thru the chicken wire. They love greens and will approach you to pull them out of your hand and thru the wire to eat them. It teaches them they can be face to face with you up close and good things happen. They don't need to be afraid of you. Try it and make the chicken noises at the same time.
Best,
Karen

 

[ButtersPA]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. They do calm down when we sit at their level and they take treats from our hands.
It is finally warm enough to move them to the big house outside. Unfortunately,I will need to pick them up under protest one more time. I am sure in a few weeks they will calm down once we get them into a routine.