Skip to Content

16 Reasons Your Chickens Are Running Away From You!

Not only are more and more people keeping backyard chickens as a source or free range, organic eggs but we have also noticed some people keeping chickens as pets too.

Most types of chicken are relativley easy to care for and they will simply go about their business as they see fit throughout the day.

One thing that we do see people who keep chickens ask time and time again is why their chickens are running away from them when they are near their chickens.

Is It Normal For Chickens To Run Away From You?

This can be normal but many people who keep chickens want a better bond with their chickens so we decided to publish this article going over some of the more common reasons that your pet chickens are running away from you.

As we will cover in our list below, some of the reasons that your pet chicken may run away from you are commonly overlooked by people as it is part of our daily life and something that is not important to us in the slightest.

Why Are My Chickens Running Away From Me?

The most common reason that your chickens will run away from you are because they are new. Over time, this should fade as the get used to their surroundings, form a bond with you, and feel more comfortable in their new home.

Depending on the type of chickens that you keep and the environment you are keeping them in, it may take less than a day for your chickens to settle in but it can sometimes take over a month.

Your Chickens Are Scared Of You!

This is probably the number one reason that your chickens are running away from you when you approach them. Chickens, in general, are scared of humans as we pose a threat to them.

The best way to combat this is to simply spend time around your chickens so they can get used to your presence and see that you are not a threat to them.

Over time, they will become more comfortable around you and this should help to reduce the number of times that they run away from you.

You Are Approaching Them Too Quickly!

When you first start keeping chickens, it is important to take things slow when it comes to interacting with them. If you try to approach them too quickly, they will see this as a threat and it will only make them more scared of you.

Instead, take your time and let them come to you on their own terms. Once they are comfortable with your presence, you can start to slowly approach them but be sure to do so in a non-threatening way.

You Are Making Sudden Movements!

Another thing that can scare your chickens is if you make sudden movements around them. Just like with approaching them too quickly, this can be interpreted as a threat and it will only make them more skittish.

Instead, try to move slowly and deliberately when you are around your chickens. This will help to put them at ease and make them less likely to run away from you.

Your Chickens Are Not Used To Being Out Their Coop!

If you just got your chickens or if they are new to your property, they may be scared of being out of their coop. This is especially true if they are used to being in a smaller space.

The best way to combat this is to let them out of their coop gradually so they can get used to their new surroundings.

You Have Your Dog Or Other Pet With You!

If you have a dog or other pet, they may be the reason that your chickens are running away from you. Chickens are naturally scared of dogs as they see them as a threat.

The best way to combat this is to keep your dog or other pet away from your chickens when you are not around to supervise. This will help to keep your chickens safe and prevent them from being scared.

You Have A Stranger With You!

If you have a stranger with you, your chickens may be running away from you because they are scared of the unknown. Chickens are naturally curious creatures but they will also be cautious of anything that they do not know.

The best way to combat this is to introduce your chickens to the stranger gradually so they can get used to their presence.

Your Chickens Are Not Used To Their Environment!

If you have just moved your chickens to a new environment, they may be running away from you because they are not used to their new surroundings.

This is especially true if you have moved them to a new coop or enclosure. The best way to combat this is to give them time to adjust to their new home and get used to their new surroundings.

Your Chickens Are Afraid Of The Dark!

Chickens are naturally afraid of the dark as they cannot see in low light conditions. This is why they will often go into their coop or enclosure at night to sleep.

If you are trying to approach your chickens in the dark, they may be running away from you because they are scared. The best way to combat this is to turn on a light so they can see you and feel more comfortable.

You Have Made Changes To Your Chicken Run!

If you have made changes to your chicken run, such as adding new plants or objects, your chickens may be running away from you because they are not used to the changes.

The best way to combat this is to give them time to adjust to the changes and get used to their new surroundings.

There Are Unusual Sounds Or Smells!

If there are unusual sounds or smells around your chickens, they may be running away from you because they are scared. Chickens are verysensitive to their environment and any changes can scare them.

The best way to combat this is to identify the source of the noise or smell and remove it if possible. If you cannot remove it, try to acclimate your chickens to the change by slowly introducing them to it.

You Are Wearing Protective Clothing!

If you are wearing protective clothing, such as gloves or a mask, your chickens may be running away from you because they are not used to seeing you in this type of gear.

They See You Don’t Have Food With You!

Chickens are very food motivated creatures and they will often come running when they see you because they think you have food for them.

If you do not have food with you, they may be running away from you because they are disappointed. The best way to combat this is to always have a treat with you when you approach your chickens.

You Are Wearing Bright Colors!

Chickens are very visual creatures and they are attracted to bright colors. However, they can also be scared of bright colors if they are not used to them.

If you are wearing bright colors, try to approach your chickens slowly so they can get used to your presence before you start to interact with them.

You Smell Different!

Chickens have a very strong sense of smell and they can be scared of people who smell different than they are used to. If you have recently changed your soap, shampoo, or deodorant, this could be the reason that your chickens are running away from you.

To combat this, try to spend time around your chickens so they can get used to your scent. You can also try wearing clothes that have been around your chickens so they will be familiar with your scent.

Your Chickens Are Cold!

Chickens are very sensitive to temperature and they can get cold very easily. If your chickens are running away from you, it may be because they are cold and they are looking for a warm place to roost.

To combat this, try to provide your chickens with a warm place to roost such as a heated chicken coop or a heat lamp. You can also try to keep them in a warmer part of the house if you have an indoor chicken coop.

Your Chickens Are Hot!

Just like chickens can get cold very easily, they can also get hot very easily. If your chickens are running away from you, it may be because they are too hot and they are looking for a cooler place to roost.

To combat this, try to provide your chickens with a cool place to roost such as an air conditioning vent or a fan. You can also try to keep them in a cooler part of the house if you have an indoor chicken coop.