Sue1411 Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 This might seem like a bizarre question, but has anyone else on the forum had problems bonding with their new chickens? We loved our original two hens ( and ) immediately and they were very docile and easy to tame from the start. When one of them died we acquired two new hens (a bluebelle and a speckledy). These two have now settled in with the but refuse to come anywhere near us or even come up for food (unheard of with the original two). They appear to be very flighty and freak out at the slightest noise, whereas the is permanantly sticking her beak into everything that is going on (and we love her for it). I know its relatively early days (about 3 weeks now) but its not seeming to get any better. How can we let them know we're friendly when the food bribes don't work?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 (edited) I would suggest waiting until its dark and taking them out of the egg port for a cuddle. They are naturally more docile at night. Hope it works. Edited April 24, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 I would suggest waiting ubtil its dark and taking them out of the egg port for a cuddle. They are naturally more docile at night. Hope it works. Good Idea Christianl. I'm sure with a bit of perseverance they'll come round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harveypup Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 If they are not laying yet they are usually a little more flighty. My two new ones are just the same. I am hoping that as I am "forcing" them to be held for a couple of minutes each day that they will soon love me as much as I love them - it does seem to be getting better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 I agree with the laying theory - if they are not laying yet, they will be more aloof and flighty. Mine underwent a complete personality change about a week before they started laying, following me round, not running away as much. Now they are all docile and soppy That's when their real personalities come out as well - I'm sure yours will come round soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue1411 Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 Thanks everyone. They're not laying et so maybe it'll all work out soon. Am giving the evening nestbox raid theory a go and we'll see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
