Unfriendly hen

[Alydup]

I adopted a hen that was being bullied and having all her feathers plucked in herprevious flock about a month ago. I raised my three chickens from chicks and they are all pretty friendly and will allow me around them and to pick them up and hold them. This new gal I can barely get within a few feet and she is running like crazy. She is so skittish. I am wondering if this will settle with time or will she remain this nervous and unfriendly?

 

[Perris]

only time will tell; you've given her one chance by taking her on, I'd give her another by just being patient with her. If my previous experience was to be pecked bare I'd be skittish too

 

[Alydup]

True! I can’t blame her for being nervous. I have had several nervous cats and dogs but I’m new to chickens so just wondering if their behaviour changes with time. She is no trouble and just follows along with the others but I feel sorry for her living in such terror around me. At least the chickens have accepted her. Strangely she seems to have become the boss in my flock even though she is the smallest. She’s not allowing herself to be bullied anymore!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Sometimes the adjustment period takes more time. Good luck with her!

 

[Kat2141]

A few years ago we had 2 hens given to us... They would come near enough to see if you were going to throw some food, but couldnt touch. They warmed up as time went by. She just needs to learn about you. Can you touch her when she is inside the coop? That may help.

 

[ShellyBlanco]

I agree with @Kat2141 take advantage when she is in the coop to scoop her up and give her some love and reassurance, everytime you can. Is she laying yet? If not she will warm up for sure once she is getting ready.

 

[Alydup]

Thanks! I will try that. I have been trying so far not to push her to much and just let her settle in. She was laying within a couple days of us getting her when she was in a separate kennel then once I took out the kennel it took her about a week and she just started laying again.

 

[ShellyBlanco]

Give her a good back massage, she should squat for you, that will make her love you. You gotta do what it takes to make them happy..

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks! I will try that. I have been trying so far not to push her to much and just let her settle in. She was laying within a couple days of us getting her when she was in a separate kennel then once I took out the kennel it took her about a week and she just started laying again.

It's good that you're not pushing her. She needs time to adjust, and it's quite possible she was with people that chased her or were mean to her in the past.

The best thing is to build up trust. One good way to do that is to sit with them in the coop, and offer treats. Not too close at first, but a little closer each time. That way she can get used to you and will learn you are not a threat, both at the same time.

 

[BuffOrpington567]

Hi i have been in the exact situation as you. Non handled chickens r always like this and i find if you put them in a confined area and try to pick them up they gradually get use to it. Yes, it can be distressing for them the first few times :/ but they do get used to it and i can pick mine up and she dosent get mad or anything. Hope this helps