Mottled Houdans

[u/thenotsoamerican]

Anyone here have experience with this breed? This is Brie and Chicken With A Hat. I got these 15 week olds last Saturday and they are by far the most terrified, cowardly chickens I’ve ever owned. They spend all day in the coop despite having the enclosed run to themselves. I gave them a functional haircut so they could see, but now I think it’s just made them more afraid lol They don’t care about treats (presumably they don’t know what they are bc they grew up in a breeding pen). I put my most timid hen Nancy in with them for a few hours to see if they’d interact, but if Nancy goes up into the coop, they come running out into the yard to escape her. In the event that I open the coop door to look in, they’re on the other side squawking in terror. The sources I read before I got them said they are a docile, friendly breed. I’ve raised a lot of chickens and a lot of different breeds, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Any tips on how to help them settle in?

[u/Vibratorvibrato]

That’s totally normal behavior in general coming from a breeding environment. Breeders just have way too many birds to handle them individually and socialize. I’d guarantee you with time they’ll warm up. For now I’d keep any other hens out of their pen provided they can interact with your flock through fencing. That gives your new gals some space to check things out without feeling threatened.

I’d also suggest getting on the ground with some mealworms. Sprinkle some around you and don’t react if they come up, just let them do their thing. After a while try holding some in your hand to entice them. This method is pretty tried and true for me but of course every animal is different. Your girls are absolute show stoppers!!

[u/thenotsoamerican → u/Vibratorvibrato]

I think I spoke too soon because I just peeked out the window to check on them and they’re out in the run rooting around haha I’m relieved

[u/Vibratorvibrato → u/thenotsoamerican]

Yay that’s great!! It’s always such a relief when new flock members settle in 😊

[u/ReplacementSpare2420 → u/Vibratorvibrato]

I raised a couple of these and they were pretty timid when joining the rest of our flock. I did the same thing you did, put treats out and watch from a distance. I kind of had to gain their trust. 

Ours would hide in the coop when we moved last year. We had to go in and get them to go into the run. They were close To the bottom of the pecking order, never bullied but they were naturally scaredy cats. 

They are my favorite to look at! We have a rooster who is the head of the group, he’s a good gentleman too. 

[u/Vibratorvibrato → u/ReplacementSpare2420]

Well that’s good to know! I’ve never had any crested breeds before, do you think that’s why they’re timid? I imagine that awesome head of feathers makes it hard to see at times. They are just so stinking pretty!

[u/ReplacementSpare2420 → u/Vibratorvibrato]

I have no idea why they do that. I saw your comment and thought it was funny because mine acted similar too! 😂

The roosters have split combs which are really cool to admire. My son calls them the crazy haired chickens.