Opinions?

[JacinLarkwell]

I need to cut down on my chicken flock. I can't move them to other owners, so it will be by putting them down.

I have two birds I'm debating about. I really like them, but they are so panicky when I'm around. They get along great with the other birds so they do have a good life when people arent near them, but when I am in sight, it's like they forget EVERYTHING besides how to panic. They can't even find the door to get out of the run when I open it because they're so afraid of me that they just bounce off the walls.

I think honestly I know the answer, I'm just looking for other opinions/insights.

 

[Folly's place]

Keep the birds that you like! Those two birds do sound 'squirrely', but they might be on your list for that reason. Any others? Too old, not feeling well, sore joints, or anything? Very poor production from the first year?
I struggle with decisions like this and it's always hard.
All the best,
Mary

 

[ChaosMom]

I’m sorry, this sounds tough!

What’s your ideal flock? Productive layers? Compatible with one another? Interesting feathering/egg colors? Good foragers? Friendly with humans (you)? And any of these can be “right”.

If your ideal is a flock comfortable around you, there’s your answer.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly I don't have an ideal flock anymore. I'm getting out of chickens for the time being, but because I have mareks, I have to put down birds instead of just giving them away. Just makes it harder since you wouldn't know my birds are sick by looking. They certainly act healthy.

I guess the hard part is that because these ones are so anxious, I know that it's going to just be panic and fear for them when I do grab them for their time. Even after dark when I'm putting birds away and counting, they scramble to get out of reach and sight from me.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly I don't have an ideal flock anymore. I'm getting out of chickens for the time being, but because I have mareks, I have to put down birds instead of just giving them away. Just makes it harder since you wouldn't know my birds are sick by looking. They certainly act healthy.

I guess the hard part is that because these ones are so anxious, I know that it's going to just be panic and fear for them when I do grab them for their time. Even after dark when I'm putting birds away and counting, they scramble to get out of reach and sight from me.

I guess I should add too, these birds aren't young, I'm pretty sure one is 2 and the other is at least 3, so I know it isn't just those weird flighty puberty hormones that some birds have. One does have flighty ancestry, but still no where near where she is. The other came from decently calm parents

 

[Folly's place]

Still, eliminate the birds you don't like, for whatever reason, first.
Will you be keeping this flock, or eliminating everyone soon? Hope you can keep them while they are clinically okay.
Mary

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Still, eliminate the birds you don't like, for whatever reason, first.
Will you be keeping this flock, or eliminating everyone soon? Hope you can keep them while they are clinically okay.
Mary

Most of then will eventually either be eliminated or pass from old age, hopefully in the next couple years

 

[Fallenone05]

I've been debating on a few birds for the same reason. They make my others panic and flighty for no reason. They're 2-3 years old and they get spooky for no reason other than 'because.' I have a few hens I need to get rid of. I might give them away to someone wanting laying hens - they still lay really well but I need to get rid of them and clear some out for the young ones I hatched earlier this year.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I think at least one is going to go. I'm torn on the other just because she's pretty and I liked her dad, but honestly, there isn't a reason for me to keep most of my birds other than obligation and because they're pretty.

The one that's going was for a project, but since I can't sell or give away birds anymore, there's really not a point to keep her or the others for that project