Rubyismyduck Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 My hen Feathers (I call her Feath) were best friends, she would come up to me, snuggle on my lap and all sorts, She has been ill a few times and had to sleep in my room (in a large cage with some straw food water etc) and i think that is where our great bond came from, but since she got better, she has got back in the pecking order, still my best friend and eating ok, but untill about a week ago she has run away from me and not let me hold her without wriggaling. I haven't seen her too much recently, do you think that is why we have grown apart, what can i do to regain her trust P.S. i still see my ducks rikki and francis fly by my house and sometimes stop to say hello since we let them free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 I can hand feed mine, but they are not keen on being handled. I am persisting gently, to enable care giving...but its not pleasant for any of us..... Sorry about this..I know how you feel...when you read about folks cuddling their girls...I get a bit jealous... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 It might be that she has stopped laying for the winter. They often revert back to avoiding us when off lay. Once they come into lay again, they go all friendly and start crouching again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 I think that a sick bird always seems friendlier, more clingy. Partly I think that they have less energy for reacting to predator type actions and a pair of hands coming down on top of a bird is very much the action of a predator (from a bird's point of view). Perhaps her being less happy to be picked up just shows what a good job you did and how healthy she is. If she comes up to you for treats etc. then that is nice as it is the action of a free, healthy bird. Once you have actually picekd her up and the automatic fear of the predator is passed, I expect she will settle on your lap again for a cuddle. The crouching when in lay is intersting. Could it show a recognition of inferiority in the pecking order when compared to you i.e. hen to cockerel? (I'm not too keen on the idea of a hen thinking I'm a cockerel ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 If they crouch for you, it's most definitely because they think you are the cockerel! Sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 What a brilliant, caring, thoughtful hen owner you are Well done for all the TLC you've shown to your hens when they've been unwell. Don't worry, a handful of their fav. treats will soon have them running to you again. In the meantime celebrate their independence Well done again. Alli xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 My Leela most of the year loves cuddles, will jump on my lap for a fuss, will follow me everywhere. However, when she goes off lay in winter she runs away from me and hates a fuss It always upsets me that my favourite baby disowns me for a few months but I know come spring she'll be my darling girl again So I wouldn't worry for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
