Traumatized chicken rehabilitation

[BassBirdie]

I have a chicken that was dumped in the neighborhood when she was maybe 8 weeks old. She was alone and loose for a couple of weeks before my neighbor caught her and gave her to me. I've had her for three months, so guessing she's five months old. She looks mostly like a Welsummer but is probably a mix.

I already had two Plymouth Rocks, so they are currently separated from the new bird until she is large enough to hold her own. But, now that she is well fed and watered, she's terrified of everything. At the beginning she would come to me for treats, but is now so skittish I can't get near her without her freaking out.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to get her more accustomed to me being around her, and eventually handling her? I don't want to force her to be handled, I keep a regular routine so she knows what to expect, but if anything she's getting more scared of things.

Thanks for any help.

 

[User690263]

I'd say start by just hanging out around her, not engaging, just letting her get used to you/your presence.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd get her integrated with the others (3 months is a long time to not have already integrated her) and let them teach her that you're not a threat through their interactions with you.

 

[ChookaPete]

I'd get her integrated with the others (3 months is a long time to not have already integrated her) and let them teach her that you're not a threat through their interactions with you.

This helps my situation as well. Thank you.

I thought my leghorn pullet Chamomile had integrated with the rest of the flock, but recently she was being attacked several times by one or two of them. She does seem traumatised so it is taking a lot to help her, bit by bit, bit by bit.