any insight to my hen's odd behavior? - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by yomama 

You're right. I guess I meant that she is so off and on. I know that she has taken on the roo role, but why is she so Jekyll and Hyde? Is that the hen side of her coming out when she is not being aggressive?  

Can't really say, but I have an observation from my own flock:  my roosters are not aggressive.  There's no flipping from friendly to aggressive with them.  As a matter of fact, roosters will break up hen squabbles.  My dominant rooster is watchful when I'm around the flock, and he caters to me.  He almost flogged me ONCE when he and a hen got out of the fenced area, wanted back in but forgot how they got out, and I rescued them.  I picked up the hen first.  She squawked and he flapped at me while I boosted her over the fence.  Then I hoisted him up and over. 

Anybody can walk through my flock and not encounter even one aggressive rooster in the five of 'em.  They'd be watchful and alert, but they'd keep their distance.

So I don't understand the reference about "the hen side of her coming out when she is not being aggressive."

There's always been a "bossy" hen or two in my flock.  They peck very junior hens out of their way just because they out-rank 'em..

There is an alternative explanation to her seemingly aggressive behavior.

First of all, hens aren't aggressive for the same reasons roosters are. Most of the time, when a hen pecks you, she is trying to get your attention. All chickens communicate with their beaks. They discipline those lower in rank with a quick peck to the head, but they also peck each other softly during mutual preening sessions. 

Some hens are more fixated than others about tiny freckles or warts on your skin, and they'll peck at them. Have you examined your feet to see if you have anything that might invite a hen to investigate it? All exploration and investigation of things occur with their beaks.

From your description of her following you around everywhere, it's quite possible your hen is quite fond of you, and is pecking you to get your attention. Next time she does that, try picking her up and tucking her head under your arm, and hold her close. If she relaxes right down and doesn't struggle to get out of your arms, then you have a hen who only wants to be cuddled, and she has been trying to let you know this.