new chickens are scared wont come out much advise please...

Date sort Score sort
lounsi

lounsi

Hatching
5 Years
Feb 23, 2014
9
0
9
prestatyn northwales uk
We bought some new hens on Saturday to replace our old girls we had, they were friendly from the start, these 18wk old hens we got from a farm and think they have been in a small shed type thing on a farm the whole time have none or very little human contact. They seem to want to just stay in their coop here and pop out for 2-3minutes at a time then scurry back in again, mee n my son have been in their pen a couple of times to just sit quietly with some food for them then we come out. They have a lovely spacious pen with loads to do and we got them as pets again as ee missed our others they were totally spoilt can you please advise what we can do to help them and make them lovely pets again we never experienced this with our others at all. Thanks Lou.
 
All is well. It will take time. They'll have to get to know you.

Imagine if someone took you out of your comfort zone, put you in a new building and these big monsters you didn't know were sitting outside. You'd stay inside too.
 
I would advise you to lock them inside their coop and run for a week, so they will know that is home and where they sleep. Then just open the door to let them range in the morning. I agree that it will take some time to get used to their new environment to feel comfortable. That's why they call them "chickens," LOL.
 
images


I agree with Eggcessive about locking them in a coop for a while. This will help them learn that they have a safe place to roost and will give them the idea to come back to the coop at night for sleeping. Chickens are creatures of habit. And once they learn that it is safe to be in the coop and sleep there, they will always return there for comfort.

As for being scared of you, this is how new chickens can act. They are unsure of you and your intentions. So you need to move very slowly around them, not making any sudden movements. Do not pick them up for a while unless you have to, as this scares them. And just give them time to relax and trust you. Once you start getting them out of the coop, hang out with them in a quiet manner every day. Go sit with them, on their level on the ground, and bring along a bag of goodies, like mealworms or raisins. Slowly toss some there way so they see you as a positive person in their environment. Over time this feeding will help bond they to you. Eventually they will be climbing all over you for attention. But it takes time with new birds. Do don't give up or feel like they hate you! They are just, "chicken" for now.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new girls, X4 they need some time to get adjusted and know you and their new home.
 
Arh thankyou everyone for your reply's i did think its a time n patience thing! I have been painting some planters today and they were all wondering around their pen eating the veg we put un this morn for a good 10-15 mins so progress already! Well thanks again in reassured now will speak soon. Lou
 
Welcome to BYC. As you are discovering, chickens hate change. Be patient, move slowly around them, and tempt them with feed/treats.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom