Just how do you "discipline" a hen???? I need some advice

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LauraG

LauraG

Songster
9 Years
Apr 13, 2010
347
5
121
Upstate, NY
I have 7 lovely hens. They are 8 weeks old.

They are out in their new coop and have plenty of room. I have loved and handled them from day 1.

The 2 Barred rocks. My problem girls.

They are not just pecking me, they are biting. Yes, they are actually biting me- hard sometimes where it HURTS.

For example, if I'm sitting with a couple of the others in my lap, the BR will sneak around and BITE my arm.

Then I yell & push her back but it happens so fast, like a stinking ambush. Then she'll strut around, chest all puffed out like Ms. THING

- and yesterday she attacked another hen after that, plucked a feather right off her.
Then they'll fly up and want to sit in my lap.

Darn BULLIES they are
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Please help me discipline these ladies, I dont like this behavior, it is not acceptable. I have always prided myself in my well behaved animals, but this is new to me.

I mean, CAN you discipline a chicken??

Perp 1: Delilah

54076_delilah_june_13_2010_029.jpg



Perp 2: Dottie

54076_dottie_june_13_2010_023.jpg
 
Last edited:
Get a hold of her immediately after an attack and turn her upside down (feet toward the sky). She will immediately surrender. Hold her this way for a few minutes at least. Repeat whenever she tries the pecking thing.
 
Yep, Artemis responded to the upside-down treatment after a couple of those. She (also a barred rock) would run up behind me and bite my calf with any opportunity. I also take all opportunities to just pick her up and hold her. Yours are too young, probably; this becomes easier when they're at laying age and will squat down in front of you.
 
Squirt guns for some stuff, but for attacks on people, you need to be more firm and direct.

Chase her down, get hold of her immediately following the pecking and (if she has just eaten be careful about upside down - although that can be effective, she could also choke) pin her to the ground for a period of time until she gives up. At that point you can release her or carry her slowly to a a penalty box away from the flock for a few hours.
 
It is just a matter of showing dominance. YOU are at the top of the pecking order, and sometimes they have to be reminded. Hey, that sounds like being a parent!
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I love my BR, from day one she was the most curious, most outgoing and friendly of the lot. She sought out our attention and loved receiving it. No surprise, I guess, that she grew up to be at the top of the pecking order. She hasn't pecked my skin, but always runs up for attention when I enter the run and will sometimes peck at my pants, and chase off the others. If she gets too insistent I usually just pick her up and hold her while I check out things in the run. At her age now (about 14 wks), she's not so crazy about being held so that usually calms her down.
 
OMG! I have one barred rock out of my 4 hens and she is a beast!!!! Her name is Camilla and she chases my large dog and my cat and they actually run from her! It's kind of funny, but she too will peck and bite...maybe it's a barred rock thing. I just thought Camilla had taken on the rooster role. I will hang her upside down if I can ever CATCH her!!!
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THANK YOU for asking this question! I knew I would find my answer here. You guys rock!

My hens are doing so well. I have 4 girls who are happy and healthy.

One of them is very dominant and she runs at my calves and bites me whenever I turn around. I didn't know what to do, so I will try grabbing her and putting her upside down.

Thanks for the ideas!
 

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