Scared Leghorn

[poohpouri]

We introduced Hetty (white Leghorn) with our pair of Amberlinks 8 weeks ago. She has seen us pick up the Amberlinks etc but still to this day won't come within 3ft of us. She is so scared that she always runs away from us when in the garden. We have tried tempting her with food and tit bits from our hand but she just freezes! Very soon her wing will need to be clipped again (this was already done when we purchased her) as it is nearly grown back, and as they are known to be flighty it is a concern.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how we can become her friend and not be treated as her enemy? She is a lovely bird and was 17 weeks old when we got her.
Thank you.

[Eco-Chic]

How about a trail of corn or other treats leading to a chair by the coop, where you are quietly sitting not taking any notice of her until she associates you and the coop = security?

[Snadger]

It's a trait of the breed pooh! Similar to the Minorca's I have. They squeel like pigs if you try to get anywhere near them. I tried regularily catching them and picking them up but the ruccus was upseting the other birds, including the cockerels so now I just let them get on with it!

[bluemoon]

Sadly the word 'flighty' when applied to chickens doesn't just mean a tendency to fly, but that they are also a tad nervous. Your Leghorn is just being its normal self. I love brown Leghorns, but just couldn't cope with the stress!

[Birdie Wife]

If you need to clip her wing, go into the coop after dark when she's roosting, she'll be a lot more docile. With some breeds, getting them tame enough to pick up takes a lot longer than with others. My Minorcas were lovely and used to chat to me, but that's because they had been picked up and cuddled lots since they were fledged! Good luck

[Smoggy67]

Failing that, a fishing (landing) net scoops mine up when theyre playing up or do a runner into next doors jungle... Never fails..

[Snadger]

If you need to clip her wing, go into the coop after dark when she's roosting, she'll be a lot more docile. With some breeds, getting them tame enough to pick up takes a lot longer than with others. My Minorcas were lovely and used to chat to me, but that's because they had been picked up and cuddled lots since they were fledged! Good luck

Thats handy to know BW! So there's still hope for my Minorca's yet!