Shy Chickens

[stuartjam]

Hi I am hoping that some kind person could help, Total newbie to keeping chickens.
I have had my three beautiful girls for three weeks now, they are approx 23 weeks old, the problem is they are very shy and nervous they dont seem to be eating alot and they are spending alot of their day inside the chicken coop. I am feeding them a mix of corn and layers pellets. also rice and pasta late in the afternoon. i am letting them roam free range all day but i am watching them like a hawk and they dont seem to be eating bits from the garden . when i have managed to pick them up they seem really light. i have tried tempting them with worms, slugs etc etc but they wont touch them. what can i do to help them settle in better and eat more as i am worried that i am doing something wrong.
I havent had any eggs from the the girls as of yet, a friend of mine has said they can be like this until they come into lay? and suggested putting in a light but i am unsure? please any advice will be great

 

[A.J.'s]

Could there be a danger about that you are not aware of, such as a snake or possum hiding in the house?
I had a snake once in my chicken house and did not know it and my chickens were so quiet and would not come down from the roost. I finally found him and sent him to a secluded part of the wilderness and they came down from there and changed their attitude immediately. good luck..

 

[mama3chix]

Oh, by the way,

,you'll enjoy it here!!!!!!!

and if you are like me, this is what you will look like

 

[stuartjam]

I have never been off the net looking at chicken websites lol. No danger of any snakes or possum in North East of England

 

[Chicky85254]

Here is a list of treats you can try with your girls. I'd be a little concerned about giving them pasta and rice, since there isn't much nutrition in it. If they seem a little light, I'd try to get them to eat something a little more dense in nutrition.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[Debo's Chickens]

Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I posted yesterday: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=105527

Basically, what I'm understanding is that hens are quite timid & it can take a while for them to get used to new surroundings. I'll be giving mine a few more treats to entice them to eat more & begin to trust me.
Good luck!

 

[stuartjam]

I have tried all sorts but there are few things on the treat list that i have'nt, off to the shops in the morning to buy everything on the list lol!! they will be the happiest chickens in Newcastle Upon Tyne. thanks for all your valuable input