Polish chicken temperament

[chickenducker]

We have 5 Polish chicks that are about 6 weeks old now. They seem to be kind of skiddish and freak out every time you reach for them. They run from you no matter what. Ever since we bought them from the feed store, we've played with them daily to raise them familiar with us, but it doesn't seem to have worked, and now they're making the other chicks freaked out when they run around like crazy. We're worried that they will stay this way and will start making our other chicks skiddish as well. Can anyone tell us their experiences with Polish chickens and if this is a personality trait or if it's something they might grow out of? We want them to blend well with our friendly flock once they're old enough to join the others in the coop... Thanks!

 

[uzisuzuki]

My experience with Polish hens started with pullets not chicks. They were skiddish for awhile but eventually got used to me handling them. The lowest of my 4 in the pecking order is still skiddish sometimes. I just made the effort to handle them every day & to get them to associate me with food. That makes them go bananas in a different way.

Now, the SebrightxPolish mix chicks I hatched last month have just started acting skiddish when I walk by or reach into their brooder box. They're almost 4wks old right now. I'm not sure if it's because I have to reach down into the box instead of straight in from the side that sets them off or not, but this just started this week. Once I do catch them, they settle down & it's like they finally remember me.

I have read here that reaching down into the brooder can cause problems since they perceive that as a predator threat. I've also read here that around 4wks old chicks just start to get skiddish about being handled.

I've only had chickens since October, so I'm sorry I couldn't be more help than this.

 

[chickenducker]

Thank you for the info! After doing some further research and reading some more posts, I went home last night and tried a different approach. Instead of just reaching down into the brooder, I use very slow movements and slooowly reach for them and voila! no chaos! They were completely fine and even let me pet them. I can't believe that's all it took. Thanks again!

 

[coxrb13]

When you appouch the birds go down to their level and go slowly. This way you won't startle the birds as much.

 

[chick fire]

I have three splash polish chicks . And one five week old polish . They seem a little skittish.