Seven dead hens within 4 hours, not attacked. UPDATE: Teflon Poisoning!

[TwoCrows]

A couple of my old ones loved to be held, they'd make noise and jump up at my arms until I held them and spoke with them for a few minutes. I had them all since they were a day old though, so they were used to me wanting to pet them and hold them and got pissy if I didn't!
I have no expectation of reaching that point with this lot, but having them not flap away as though I'm a fox in the hen house would be an acceptable first step!

They will get used to you soon. Announce yourself before opening the coop door, this way they don't startle. And bring a goodie bag with you even if you have no intention of giving any out, they will mob you just in case!

 

[sunflour]

A couple of my old ones loved to be held, they'd make noise and jump up at my arms until I held them and spoke with them for a few minutes. I had them all since they were a day old though, so they were used to me wanting to pet them and hold them and got pissy if I didn't!
I have no expectation of reaching that point with this lot, but having them not flap away as though I'm a fox in the hen house would be an acceptable first step!

They are always fearful of people they have not met...as soon as they understand you are their human who brings food and treats, they will love you.

 

[lifein1840]

Is he on regular poultry feed? He should be on a balanced diet of some sort of Flock Raiser feed. Something designed for poultry. Free feed him, in other words, leave food out so he eats as much as he wishes.

Looks like he has some frost bite developing. Frost bite is painful and they can lose the tips with it. I would put some bag balm on his comb or vaseline. Apply it every night before roosting to keep the moisture from damaging the tissues.

I had a New Hampshire Red hen with an enormous comb....put bag balm on it to prevent frostbite and instead ended up with the first case I have ever had. I won't use it again, i'm very careful to keep the coop dry and never leave water in the coop over night.

 

[Blooie]

I wasn’t a chicken-cuddler either, although we had one Light Brahma named Tank that loved to picked up and carried around while Ken was out there. She easily transferred that behavior to her new owner. As long as I could handle them when I had to and walk among them without sending them into a wing-flapping panic, I was happy. I was simply answering @AaronandAlice’s post where she said she couldn’t wait to be able to hold them.

 

[Teila]

Oh Wow!

It has been a busy morning at work and this is the first chance I have had to check out the thread and it is no coincidence that this is also the first time I have smiled this morning!

That is soooo awesome and I am so very happy for you and Sir Lane

 

[CJsCoop]

So happy for you an your roo! You’ve got some beautiful girls there!

 

[aart]

although we had one Light Brahma named Tank that loved to picked up and carried around

I had one too, funny it hated to be held as a chick, never stopped squawking until I put it back down. SMH.

 

[Morrigan]

None of my chickens like to be held or touched, but then again I've never really worked at it. I sometime wish I had, it would make it easier to pick them up when I need to examine them.

 

[AaronandAlice]

Pictures from this morning. When I first opened the door one was running around with an egg shell in its mouth. There were 2 eggs undamaged. My only concern is the blood- the guy said they lay so many eggs that they get sore back there, anything I can do but wait and see?

 

[Chicken Whisper101]

Sounds AWFUL