Calming a crazy pullet?

[mame1616]

Hi - I just picked up a 4 month JG pullet who is freaking out and screaming every time I pick her up. There are a couple of minutes when I can calm her down -even her heart rate slows a bit - but then she flips out again. I know I have to give her time, but is there a reliable way to socialize her so I can eliminate some of her stress? I'm afraid she may hurt herself with all the straining and frantic flapping, not to mention the other girls are a little unnerved at her screaming. Thanks! - Mary in NJ picked up a

[Pathfinders]

Bottom line, you just have to work with her. Are you worried about taking her to a show? If so, can you cage train her? Food is a wonderful motivator, how about some treats? If she begins to associate you with tasty treats she might calm down some.

Laura

[Soapbox]

Have you tried singing to her? My birds love when I sing to them. Its become a bit of a ritual that I do while closing the coop at night. They are totally mesmerized by it and they are soothed. They sometimes join in with coos and clucks as the light goes out. Give it a try. If you're don't like the sound of your own voice, try playing some music for her.

[greg rountree]

Occassionally you will have a bird that will never be comfortable being held.Usually the older they are before human contact the less likely they are to ever be comfortable with being held. You just have to continue working with her untill she realizes you are not going to harm her--talking to her in a soothing voice while holding and examining her usually will eventually work--I once had an Egyptian Faoumi that I never did get to be relaxed when I held her--it was insulting to my ego as one that loves chickens. :roll: Greg

[mame1616]

Thanks all -I have been holding her for at least ten minutes twice a day - I thought more would be too much the first week. While she certainly doesn't like it, she is screaming less and having longer periods without struggling. I do have a couple that I almost never hold, which hurts my feelings, too. But, I can't bring myself to torture them, because that is what my holding is to them.

[circledranch]

If she happens to still be moulting, it causes great distress to them to be touched. The moulting process can be quite uncomfortable and even painful to some birds. Just a thought!

Deb