Skittish Chickens

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Some might always be skittish, but you can at least get them to like you with treats. They may never want to be picked up. I have several that were older when I got them. They were completely wild at first but now some will eat out of my hand.

 

[digitS']

Quote:
The Treat Chart is a GREAT resource but if they learn that you've got canned corn . . .

!

Steve

 

[Apopka Cluckers]

Well, I noticed that yesterday.

We usually feed some of the leftovers to the 3 great pyrenees in the yard but I figured that I would save some for my chickens.

They got a small plate of green beans, corn, bananas, and mashed potatos. They pigged out and it was gone in no time but I noticed that they ate the corn first, beans second, potatos third, and finally the banana. I love watching them eat

 

[lichick28]

I always hand feed my girls and there are some breeds that are more skittish then others. My leghorns are nervous wrecks no matter what I do. The same was for my lakenvelders which I couldnt take anymore, & gave away. Storeys guide to poultry breeds tells the traits of each chicken along with the size, color egg,weight,pros-cons of each bird which is really handy

 

[JennsPeeps]

Our RIR was really skittish, even though we raised her in the same clutch as our BSL and BR. We handled all 3 equally. She was impossible to catch until...

... until The Squat.

All hail The Squat! It's a sign of submission to the creature(s) they see as dominant: you, your family, a dog, etc. Our squat for DBF and me. Now that the RIR squats, we can pick her up and handle her.

Be patient. Offer treats and move slowly. If you can figure out which of the flock is the top girl (they may be too young, still), make friends with her. Once you've got the trust of the top girl in the hierarchy, she'll lead by example for the others.

 

[kbarrett]

Quote:

Yes, all hail the Squat! I have almost all flighty breeds...leghorns white & brown and minorca's. The squat is the only reason I get to handle them. They are always around me begging for treats with the leghorns being the nosiest and first to come up & see what I have! I'd have to conisder all of them friendly but they don't tolerate affection.

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:

Yes, all hail the Squat! I have almost all flighty breeds...leghorns white & brown and minorca's. The squat is the only reason I get to handle them. They are always around me begging for treats with the leghorns being the nosiest and first to come up & see what I have! I'd have to conisder all of them friendly but they don't tolerate affection.

Oh, the Squat-when hens become your best friends, LOL