My chicken is pecking me!

smallbluejellybean said:

Next time I am going wear a big chicken suit and freak them out when I lay a huge egg. Then they will know who is highest in the pecking order.

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This visual is just what I needed today.... LOLOLOL!!!

Nadya Russell said:

I have 4 8 week old pullets. 2 Barred Rocks and 2 Red Sex Links. One Barred Rock has started pecking. Well, I just watch what they do to each other and did what they do. If a chick pecks you softly, like it is just curious, I don't care. If it pecks your hand or leg pretty hard, I call out with a loud BRRR! Like they do when they jump on each other. It really works! So far, I never have to touch them to correct them. Like horses they really sense our energy more than our wanting to use physical force.
Just for fun, try it. I hope it helps!
All the best

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This is a good idea for hens, but does it work on roosters?

Interesting discussion. We have been raising six Red Star egg layers, now two months old.

They have always pecked us since they were 2-day old chicks. They target moles, rings, any marking that stands out.

I assume that this is just instinctive behavior, and eventually their little bird brains will develop enough maturity that they'll preferentially go after real food instead of wasting their time.

Plus, I'm still working on their condo; it's a 3x6 confined space (but lots of vertical room) right now. I want to let them out into the yard during the day as soon as I get the electric fence set up. They really are impatient and cooped up, I think. So maybe that's causing some of this continuing pecking behavior. I don't know.

JoeTairei said:

They really are impatient and cooped up, I think. So maybe that's causing some of this continuing pecking behavior. I don't know.

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Keep an eye out for feather pecking, if they start pecking new feathers, they will turn into cannibals. It happens in over crowded conditions.....I used vicks vapor rub to stop them, they don't like the taste and smell.

CNJ said:

Keep an eye out for feather pecking, if they start pecking new feathers, they will turn into cannibals. It happens in over crowded conditions.....I used vicks vapor rub to stop them, they don't like the taste and smell.

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interesting idea, thanks! We started letting them out in the yard during the day, about a 25'x25' area around the coop, and they really enjoy the freedom. They've created a dust bath also. They still peck at us, though. I'm going to expand the fence; it's got a lot of footage left. Also going to add a foot or two of height because one of them flew over the top this morning!!!

Mine still love pecking rings, sparkly things, painted toenails? They also still love to eat out of my hand! But if they get agressive I don't tolerate that behavior! I also think they are cooped up lol literally bored cabin fever etc.