Strange Little Bird

[2Old2Crow]

Of our 6 Dominique chicks, all hens, 5 have adjusted pretty well at slightly over 3 1/2 weeks. Then there’s #6. Skittish, stays away, doesn’t want to be touched and screams bloody murder if my wife manages to pick her up. The others get their heads brushed with a mascara brush, go for airplane rides on the small stick in the brooder, and basically just come to us every time a hand goes into the brooder. Should we continue to force personal contact with her, or just let her go on being herself and see if she comes around. I vote the latter, but I don’t think my wife sees it that way. And she’s the biggest bird in the box.

 

[sourland]

As prey creatures, chickens do not like anyone/thing coming at them from above. It sounds like this chick has strong survival instincts. I agree with you that catching and forcing to be held will only worsen the situation.

 

[2Old2Crow]

Bumping this for a little more input. Starting to think this girl is evil! She has that look in her eye.........the right one.

 

[aart]

Had a couple chicks that just would not become accustomed to handling.
Screamed bloody murder ev.ery.time. I gave up and left them be.
Later both those birds were the friendliest, one would come up and wanted to be touched and picked up for a cuddle.

 

[jsr5]

I got some naked leg bantams old english games I think that were/are like that. But waiting till roost time and getting them off the roost they fussed alot but i offered treats and didn;t hold them from leaving eventually they got to where they didn't hustle off and eventually all but one little black girl got fairly tame. As mentioned it helps if you wait until they are up on something reducing the height differential.

 

[2Old2Crow]

Well, today she ate a few bits of cherry from my wife's hand. Maybe,,,,,just maybe. Still has the evil eye!!!!