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Why Do Chickens Run Away From Me? Surprising Answer!

By Jake Willhoite · · Updated

Why Do Chickens Run Away From Me
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Chickens can make friendly pets, but most don't enjoy being chased, grabbed or held. They also startle more easily than dogs or cats.

That doesn't mean your chickens can never trust you. New birds will often run from you for the first weeks, and knowing why helps you win them over.

Why do chickens run away from me? Your chickens run away because they are afraid of you. Chickens are prey animals, and running is their main defense against predators. They will run from you, and from strangers, until they learn you are not a threat.

Below are the most common reasons, plus practical ways to help your chickens feel safe around you.

Reasons Why Your Chickens Run Away From You

Knowing what scares your chickens is the first step to changing how they react to you.

You Are Chasing Your Chicken

Chickens are prey animals, so being chased looks like a predator attack to them. Bad experiences can make birds more fearful of people for a long time.

Never chase your chickens, and ask friends and family not to chase them either. If you need to catch a bird, do it calmly, ideally at night when it is roosting.

You Make Sudden Movements

Sudden movements startle chickens, and their first instinct is to run. With very nervous birds, even standing up quickly or swinging your arms can set them off.

Move slowly and steadily around your flock. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that moving calmly around birds, and giving a signal such as a knock before entering the henhouse, helps reduce fear reactions.

You Are Too Loud

Loud voices, music and banging can frighten chickens. Natural noises such as thunder startle them too.

You can't control thunder, but you can keep your own noise down around the coop.

Your Chickens Don't Know You

Many people handle chicks often and then stop once the birds grow up. Adult chickens that rarely interact with people stay wary of them.

Your chickens may come to you at feeding time and still run when you try to approach. Regular, calm contact as they grow helps them get used to you.

Why Are Your Chickens Scared Of You?

Most often, your chickens simply don't trust you yet. Birds that have been chased, grabbed roughly or hurt can also lose trust they once had.

Why Do Baby Chicks Run Away From You?

Chicks run for the same reason as adults: they are prey animals, and a large human reaching in from above looks like a threat.

This is normal, so don't be discouraged. Start bonding while they are young, and trust will build over time.

How To Build Trust With Your Baby Chicks?

Spend time with your chicks early and often. Calm, gentle contact helps them grow into more relaxed adults.

Talk To Them

Talk to your chicks in a soft, calm voice while you feed them and change their water. Chickens use many vocalizations to communicate, and they get used to familiar sounds.

Some keepers use the same call or name at feeding time, and chickens can learn to come to it.

Hand Feed Your Baby Chick

Offer small bits of their chick starter crumbles from your open hand. Chicks quickly link your hand with food.

Keep treats small. Chicks need their complete starter feed to grow properly.

Don't Startle Them

Avoid sudden movements and loud noises around the brooder. Chicks that are often frightened tend to grow into more nervous adults.

How To Prevent My Chickens From Being Scared Of Me?

It's easier to bond with chicks, but adult birds can learn to trust you too. These steps help.

Give Your Chickens Treats

Treats are one of the easiest ways to bond with older chickens. Pick a favorite and offer it from your hand every day.

At first they may not take food from you, but most birds will with patience. When they come close, don't grab them; that undoes the progress. Keep treats to a small part of their diet.

Sit With Your Chickens

Spend quiet time near your flock instead of only visiting once a day. Read, drink your coffee or just sit still in the run.

The more often your chickens see you without anything bad happening, the less they will fear you.

Talk To Your Chickens

While you sit with them, talk softly. Never shout or play loud sounds near the coop.

Avoid Loud Noises

Sudden loud noises are a common cause of startling. Keep the area around the coop as calm as you can.

Don't Approach Suddenly

Let your chickens see you coming. Approach slowly and from the front rather than appearing suddenly.

Once your chickens are comfortable, some may rest or even doze near you. That is a good sign they feel safe.

Building trust takes time, patience and respect for their space. The more calm time you spend with your flock, the more relaxed they will be.

Final Verdict

Your chickens run away because they are scared of you, which is normal for a prey animal. Calm, quiet, regular contact, a few treats and no chasing will help them learn to trust you.

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