Super Skittish Pullet

[RLynn]

Anyone ever have an overly skittish chicken? Our Rhode Island Red is about 14-15ish weeks old if I’d have to guess. She is completely fine and calm around me and my husband but she is terrified of her flock mates. I just integrated her over the course of the month after having her quarantined. My other hens have adjusted to her and don’t bother her at all and have accepted her, but any movement by them she panics and spazzes out! Almost as if she is afraid of her own shadow. She started out like that when we got her but we gained her trust. Is there anyway to help her be more confident and calm around my other hens?

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

She could’ve been bullied by other chickens in the past. Perhaps with more association she could ease her way into the flock.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How old is the rest of the flock? Not unusual at all for teenage pullets to be jumpy and flighty.

 

[RLynn]

How old is the rest of the flock? Not unusual at all for teenage pullets to be jumpy and flighty.

A couple hens are close to two years and my youngest apart from her are at about 7 months.

 

[rosemarythyme]

A couple hens are close to two years and my youngest apart from her are at about 7 months.

Sounds about right then - she's the youngest, and in her teen phase as well. Once she reaches point of lay she should start calming down more, plus will start to get along better with the rest of the flock. It's all about hormones.