Skittish Rhode Island Red!

[Wattle Queen]

I got a 4 month old RIR yesterday & he is skittish. I petted him several times last night after he roosted. He pecked me several times when I approached him but I kept on petting him. I'm hoping to make him a friendly little guy. What can I do?

 

[toddo]

I've had my RIR since they were chicks and handled them and I thought everything I should do to make them trust me, but they won't come near me they are 12 months now.

 

[laford501]

My RIR hens are very friendly... For some time I wondered if they thought I was their mom. They will still hop up on my knee if I sit down. Especially if I have meal worms! They are only about 13 weeks though. I was worried for awhile about one of them because she wouldn't eat off the ground when I brought treats. She would only eat from my hand. I was worried that I made her unable to forage. I have since seen her do just fine when I'm not nearby. The Reds are also the only ones that still eat from my hand without being too rough and pecking holes in my hand. Good luck with your Reds. Mine love meal worms asked red cabbage... Maybe some bribery?

 

[Wattle Queen]

I offer mine a piece of bread every morning as a treat. He loves it. I've also gave him plain yogurt with oatmeal stirred in it. He absolutely loves it. He chases bugs through my yard so I pick June bugs out of my pool & pond to give him & he loves that too. I have noticed he's been inching closer & closer to me each day. I only pet him after he's roosted. I think he's figured out I'm not going to hurt him & he gets treats.