Polish hen pouting?

[mcdowell89]

I have a polish hen that I was given after my flock got wiped out by a neighbors dog. I was given 4 hens to replace the ones that were slain, out of the 4 the only one that seems to not taking the move well is the Polish hen she refuses to leave the nesting box. She's not laying any eggs and I'm not even sure if she is eating. This is my first time with a polish chicken so I'm getting to know the breed, I was told that they have very large personalities and she may just be pouting from the move to my yard. My question is what can I do for her to make her happier and maybe more content? I'm just worried shes not eating and I want her to relax like the other two hens seem to be doing..... side note i forgot to mention 3 hens are in the coop and one bantam cochin is inside the house in a isolated brooder with my one and only surviving silkie. I would also like advice on how to get these new birds tame towards me with my chicks that got killed they followed me and knew me. Any advice on how to build a relationship with these new birds, I dont want to force them into me holding them I'm afraid that will destroy any trust I'm trying to build with them. TIA

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Any advice on how to build a relationship with these new birds, I dont want to force them into me holding them I'm afraid that will destroy any trust I'm trying to build with them.

The way to their heart is through their stomach... meal worms or scrambled egg are popular TREATS fed by you in order to make the association that good things come when you are around.

Make no mistake, chickens don't trust people... they just get used to routine and follow it as they are creatures of habit. But yes they totally recognize up to 100 faces and learn the difference between threat or safe. And some do fully enjoy meaningful relationships with their keepers! Handle the birds when they are the calmest... often shortly after roost when light is low. One at a time, gently.. making sure not to be pressing pin feathers or anything like that which could cause actual pain. Keep their wings held tight to their back to minimize flapping and panic. keep quite when you first start and then add soft words after a few days, most seem MORE nervous when I'm actually talking to them. Most seem okay with me stroking the from of their neck a little. NEVER set them down while they are still panicking. Wait until they calm and let them go peacefully. Also handle the others that you still have and can in front of them during the day time so they can see other chickens do indeed deem you as safe. They should quickly settle in.

Your one that's hiding in the nest box... is she happen to be broody? She might just be THAT scared... maybe putting her in a small look but don't touch kennel for a short period where she can see everybody will help her settle in, or break any broodyness?? Polish can be low in the pecking order.

Have you secured your area from the neighbors dog well enough to prevent a repeat, should it accidentally get out again?

Am I understanding correctly that you have 2 survivors indoors that have not been introduced to the 4 new comers. Did the new comers all come from the same flock together and were put in an empty coop essentially? Or did they come from different places? Can you tell age? What are the other 3 hens breeds?

Sorry for your loss. Hope your new ladies settle in quickly!

 

[mcdowell89]

I am actually taking the 3 hens outdoors in the coop back to the woman that gave them to me. I think her giving me the hens was a very kind act but i haven't properly grieved my chicks i lost and the new hens are adjusting well. They all came from a much larger coop than i currently have and none of them seem to be eating much or enjoying being here. The silkie I have is my only survivor the lady that gave me the other hens gave me a young cochin bantam to keep him company while hes healing. The cochin is doing very well and my silkie and her have actually bonded already. I am going to keep the cochin and take the other 3 back, when I am ready I think I will start again with some chicks. I'm just not up for trying to tame and take care of 3 hens that are petrified of me right now.