Re: Flighty hens.

>
> As for being scared, remove the threat and they soon revert to their ole
> peaceful selves, at least mine do.

I think it depends on the individual hen.

One of ours had her chick killed by a fox and she was, in our terms, bereft
and sat on a window sill all day long and 'moped' - although she wasn't
nervous of us. As soon as we got a new hen (Fang) for company she was fine.

The mother hen turned up her toes at Easter so we had to get a companion for
Fang. A few weeks later Fang and the new one were chased by a dog (which
shouldn't have been  in the area). The new one was killed, she was replaced
by a charming bantam who's friendly and laying well. Fang, however, was very
nervous of any human until fairly recently. I tempted her with titbits, she
was handled regularly by putting her on our hands from her perch, we
couldn't get near otherwise.

She's still not eating out of my hand but gradually she's coming closer and
closer. It's taking time and patience and guile, we're persisting because we
don't want her to be nervous.

But since I've had hens I've learned that they're all different, with their
own likes, dislikes and characteristics. I certainly wouldn't forecast
behaviour for any one based on past behaviour of another.

Mary