taming a flighty/skittish bird?

[kmatt87]

Can it be done?
I have a 12 wk old california white that is super skittish and flightly. Think i can tame her? She is a cross between a white leghorn hen and a california grey rooster, so she is supposed to be more skittish/flighty then my others but not as bad as a leghorn.

I try and let them out into my yard everyday, but we don't have a coop yet (long, frustrating story) and we have a dog that isn't good with them, so it has to be scheduled. When it comes time to put them away it takes 20+ mins to catch this one

and with 5 toddlers running around (mine plus a couple daycare kids), i just can't always do that.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

I have a 12 week old Buff Orpington that is skittish, too, so I'm subscribing in the hopes that we can both learn how to handle these girls.

 

[heybarb]

Use FOOD!!! Our chicks (9 weeks old) are free ranging in our backyard. For a while, we too, needed to catch them to bring them in. I poured a little bit of Chick Starter food in metal bowl and added a little bit of Chicken Scratch with some chick grit and headed outside. I started by shaking the bowl a little and calling "Here chickie, chickie!" I've got several that are very curious and when started chowing down, the others quickly followed. Now when they see me coming they all RUN toward me - even when I don't have a food bowl! While they are eating I would gently pet them - or pick them up and hold them for a few minutes. They are all pretty good now (especially the WL/Tetra Tint) - except for our 2 new ones which are learning quickly.

 

[holderh]

I agree with Heybarb!!! that is definatly the way to do it.....i was give 5 seven month olds a few months back and they were all skitish...but soon after i put them with my flock they learned to come to me like those do...now some let me pick them up....can you post a picture of your california white? i am wondering if that isnt what i have....when they were given to me i knew 3 were leghorns but i have 2 that are white with just a few black feathers mingled in...i have been wondering if they are california whites but havent had any pictures to go by...Good luck!!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I agree there-food, the way to a chickens heart. I won over a broody hen with chicks who was completely wild with strawberries. All other treats she'd ignore or drop to her chicks, this was the only thing she'd eat for herself. She would come to me after that, or let me walk by without running off, but she never got really tame and the few times I had to catch and hold her got her somewhat miffed with me, sorry about that..but she'd get over it.
Just an off point remark, why do I read where people give the tops of strawberries to chickens and say they don't like them? They like the ripe red yummy part, not the left over stuff you normally toss in the garbage...seriously.

 

[kmatt87]

I agree with Heybarb!!! that is definatly the way to do it.....i was give 5 seven month olds a few months back and they were all skitish...but soon after i put them with my flock they learned to come to me like those do...now some let me pick them up....can you post a picture of your california white? i am wondering if that isnt what i have....when they were given to me i knew 3 were leghorns but i have 2 that are white with just a few black feathers mingled in...i have been wondering if they are california whites but havent had any pictures to go by...Good luck!!

this picture is probably about a month old.... i'll try to get a newer one for you soon. The fluff on her head is the same white as the wings. I think ours has 4 - 6 random black feathers but is completely white everywhere else.

 

[kmatt87]

I've tried bribing this one....
chicken crack (a treat mix from a ranch store), earthworms, strawberries, hard boiled egg, apples, string cheese, sugar snap peas.....she won't touch any of it unless i'm across the yard from her!

 

[holderh]

I looks like mine! but they are full grown...have black on their beaks as well...i think i have california whites! thanks!! if you can send pictures as it getes older....ill try to post pictures of my girls.

Thanks!!!