4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Abbsie]

I have just got 3 hens for the first time!

 

But Moodie is the smallest and the jumpiest! How can I calm her down?

The other two are much larger than her and they are both picking on her (this is probably about the pecking order) but how can I get her to calm down.

She was very uneasy and squawking when we took her home! She has calmed down a lot but is still very nervous around humans.

 

PLEASE HELP.....................

[Egluntyne]

You can give them some Bach's Rescue Remedy in their water to help them over the stress of the move if you like.

 

Other than that...just give it time, and keep an eye on things and intervene if they hurt her.

 

To help them get used to you it is a good idea to wait till dark and open the pop hole and just stroke them and talk to them.

 

 

After a few days you might pluck up courage to lift them out and hold them.

 

Sounds potty, but it is a good way of getting used to them and getting them used to you.

 

Once they have gone to roost, they go into a sort of trance and they are much easier to handle.

 

Good luck.

[iar fach goch]

hi, we have had our chickens just over three weeks now and like you, we had one (Raptor) who was quite distressed after the journey and would not come anywhere near us. The other two settled quickly and after their five days in the run, with lots of attention and treats through the run, once let out to free range, they were happy to be picked up. It has taken Raptor a while, but she will now let us pick her up, and although she does not run up to you for cuddles as TRex does, she is quite happy to be around three boisterous boys in the garden and has been known to venture into the kitchen a few times! Hopefully yours will settle down soon too. Good luck