Above: The cautious Maran Hen

Maran Hen does not stand still and wait to be stroked like Ernie and Red. If approached, she keeps her distance and will not get closer than 3 feet. To catch her, she must be cornered, and even this is difficult as she is fast and has very quick reactions. As soon as she is touched and picked up, she squawks as loud as she possibly can, and struggles with all her might. She is left to her own devices most of the time, so that she can learn to approach humans on her own terms, to build up her confidence with people.

This is totally unlike Red Hen, who hardly ever runs away when approached, and doesn't make a sound or struggle when picked up. Ernie Hen runs away when she is not feeling like being handled, but this is not often. Ernie seems a lot more independant and suspicious than Red, who is very trusting. Both Red and Ernie are always interested in my activities when I go into the garden to do some work, they follow me, and watch whatever I'm doing. Red seems to enjoy getting in my way, and doesn't even run away when I trip over her! Ernie is more sensible and doesn't actually get under my feet, instead she follows me and inspects the work I've been doing; kindly eating any grubs I unearth, and pecking up seeds I have just planted.