My chickens aren’t friendly anymore

[JustJaxson]

So over the week I went to Hawaii for seven days and while I was gone I had my cousin take care of my flock. Now that I’m back my chickens haven’t been that friendly; when I try to pet them they run away and have not been the same friendly chickens that will come and run up to you ever since I got back. I have a buff laced polish that I have raised and brought to showmanship at the county fair and she is the only one that is kind of friendly.

 

[alexa009]

So over the week I went to Hawaii for seven days and while I was gone I had my cousin take care of my flock. Now that I’m back my chickens haven’t been that friendly; when I try to pet them they run away and have not been the same friendly chickens that will come and run up to you ever since I got back. I have a buff laced polish that I have raised and brought to showmanship at the county fair and she is the only one that is kind of friendly.

I have never experienced that before, I just went away to Kansas for a week a couple of months ago and my all of my chickens were exactly the same. They didn't mind being held or whatsoever. It's probably because polish chickens are more standoffish to begin with would be my guess. It might be if your cousin was taking care of them they weren't used to being socalized and some chicken breeds need a lot of socialization to be tame.

 

[Chickassan]

You left for a week, it will take time for them to adjust to you being back. Chickens hate change.

 

[CountryChic63]

You left for a week, it will take time for them to adjust to you being back. Chickens hate change.

Interesting. Our cats do the same thing, like they're punishing you for leaving and making them miss you. Ha ha

 

[JustJaxson]

Update: my polish is now the most scared of me too. (I found out this morning when taking care of my chickens)

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Maybe your cousin took out his/her anger at you through your chickens and bullied them when you were away on vacation.......

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

My chickens have never showed any differences to change. They have taken right to any changes I have presented to them - from food to housing. In fact, I got them when they were older and they went from free range to being cooped up. I had no issues
However, how were they cared for while you were gone? Is your cousin comfortable with chickens? Maybe they fed off some vibes from the person taking care of them?
How old are they?
I don't cuddle or hold my chickens though so not sure if that is where you see them as not being friendly?

 

[Chickassan]

Wow, you really think someone would be crappy enough to beat up a chicken? That would be really low.

Maybe your cousin took out his/her anger at you through your chickens and bullied them when you were away on vacation.......

 

[snow5164]

No I doubt that they “beat up a chicken”, but a new voice and just having a new person can for sure set back the trust they had with you .

You will have to spend time with them and they will realize you are good ... some animals don’t forgive their owners for leaving very easily, I know I own a boarding kennel

 

[Chickassan]

I hope not. But you're right you can't leave them and have them be ok with it especially if you spend a lot of time with them.

No I doubt that they “beat up a chicken”, but a new voice and just having a new person can for sure set back the trust they had with you .

You will have to spend time with them and they will realize you are good ... some animals don’t forgive their owners for leaving very easily, I know I own a boarding kennel