Unsecure chicken perches

[Daffodill]

My 2 new Buff Orpingtons are 28 weeks old and I got them last week from a breeder who had them in a run with two Cockerels. In the 1st few days they were a bit reluctant to come to me but over the weekend as soon as I go in the run with them and reach for 1, they crouch down and stay still so they are easy to pick up and cuddle now. Does anyone think that this is because they are now missing the attention of their cockerels? Are hens really happy without males? I feel like I am depriving them but there is no way I could have a cockerel and spoil things with the neighbours.

[Redwing]

Hens are fine without a cockerel, they probably come to you because they are more used to you now

 

Having a cockerel in a small flock often makes the hens unhappy due to the attention they receive!