when will they love us?

[stormylady]

Some never do get friendly, none of mine are mean or freak out easily but some are just standoffish, some of my most standoffish are the breeds I got because I was told they were super friendly, for instance my blue cochin gals not what i would call mean but certainly consider their selves above all other chickens, My Salmon Fav. Roo Oliver once you catch him he doesn't mind so much but catching him is the trick, Zues my big blue orpington Rooster he is very large and imposing looking but really he is such a pussy cat its almost imbarrising.and my Red silkie Roo Flame is a Jerk. Out of the EEs I got some standoffish girls and then there is Zoey, she is a sweet heart. my Salmon fav girls are ok but still fairly young( my older girls Sal. Favs were very sweet) so not sure how theyll turn out yet. Then there is Uno (speckled Sussex) and I have to admit she and her sister were special cases and recieved alot of care and attention from the time of hatch (big problems there) had to rescue both of them out of there shells and then nurse maid them til they were several months old and Dottie fit in with the other hens pretty good Uno didn't and was a house chicken for a long time. but has been a member of the flock for over a year and is still a super friendly , chatty chicken ( my Favorite) and there was Bonnie a barred rock girl who really never liked me but she took a real liking to my son, who she would beg to hold her, My son never fed her or spent time in the coop or when she was a chick messed with them or anything she just decided he was her friend and he finially gave in . anyway some take more time then others.
My suggestion to you would be to handle them daily and treat them with tidbits like meal worms. I would go for and handle the most freaked out chicks the most gently and they will figure out you are friend and not Foe. Chickens are a prey item for almost any preditor and there freaking out is totally normal just give them time and attention and they will come around. Best of luck!

 

[Bearsfan]

My BOs and EEs are very friendly, but the WRs are all business.
We handled them all the same when they were little but the WRs just want nothing to do with our affection.

I'm fine with that though, our intentions are to have dual purpose birds and the WRs behavior will make that easier for us to do that.
They don't get names and I don't really want to feed a whole flock of unproductive birds forever anyway.

 

[stormylady]

Quote:
I haven't named either of my meat birds and I only have two but my layers all have names.

 

[shuizar209]

I have the same thing happen with all chicks I have had. They do come around though. Patience and treats work best.

 

[ginger c.]

we've won our SLW, Tammy, over! she runs over when we come into the room and eagerly hops onto our hands! we're over the moon!!! the other three are still a little shy, but better than they were. Ruby, RIR, isn't thrilled to be pick up but once she is she settles in to our hands and enjoys being petted. The 2 EE, Emma-Jean and Tillie seem to be in just for the treats.LOL! they're loving worms!

 

[rancher hicks]

different breeds have different temperments. I have BO's and they are friendly. I have Lav orps and they are not. Then again all chickens run from my sister in law. She has to wear a bag over her head to collect eggs.

 

[ginger c.]

Quote:
that's too funny, and a little sad at the same time!