Aggresive Hen

[beachchickie]

I have a RIR hen that is 1 yr old. She has begun to act weird toward me. She actually tried to attack me by trying to peck me. When I kicked at her she came at me with both feet. Is this normal? On the day this happened my husband was working around the coop with power tools trying to build a new storage building. None of the girls liked the noise and it disturbed their laying habits, but ever since then she bows her feathers out and comes towards me instead of moving away. I need input. Thanks

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

She sounds like she is taking a rooster role - protector of the flock.


Pick her up and carry her around. When she calms down then set her down.

 

[Wynette]

Quote:
Ditto.

Kicking at her will only make her more angry; plus, it's a bit unfair to her, IMO.

 

[sourland]

Kicking at her reinforces the behavior. A good whack or two with a soft broom followed by a chase around the yard should give her the idea that you are dominant to her.

 

[Wynette]

I wouldn't be whacking her either...you're talking about what a 6# chicken? Too easy to inflict injury. What some folks do is throw whiffle balls at them....they hate to have items flyin' at them, and this should make her think you're a wacko, and should be avoided. Advice most often given is what Horse Featherz said. Pick her up (I usually turn them BACKWARDS so they cannot see where they're going) and carry her around for a bit.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Yup, I also turn them backwards. If they (roo or hen) has really gotten on my nerves, I just might pat (not hit, but pat) their fluffy butt just a bit once they settle. And I usually tease "oh you are such a mean bird".

I have found any time you are aggressive to them, it increases their aggression – so I do not kick, hit with a broom/stick – or anything like that. Like Wynette says - it's a little chicken with hollow bones and it is easy to hurt them.

If you do not like her, then process her for chicken/dumplings.

 

[Wynette]

Quote:
Ditto - or, find her a new home. BEST of luck!!

 

[beachchickie]

thanks for the input. I would not actually kick her just did not want her to peck me. I sorta did the foot out protective move. I did pick her up and walk around she still acts funny. I would never hurt her, but I will not be afraid of her or back down from her. I just have never seen her act that way toward any human. I will continue to work with her but she gets a funny look in her eye when I am around.

 

[sourland]

It's all about dominance. As long as she feels that she is your equal, she will continue this behavior. Your job is to convince her that you are the BOSS.

 

[Minty]

We have one that is the same way. Interesting answers, why would I pick her up if she is pecking me? (it hurts!) I tried giving her a little tap and said no I was the boss, lol. I am curious to know if any of the things you tried worked? We have flock of 10 red stars and they were so sweet up til a few days ago, clucking and running to say hello at the gate when I go outside and chatter at them while feeding and watering them and working in the garden. They just turned 12 weeks old, is it maybe an age thing? I am going to try going out there a bit more often. We went on vacation for a few days and had someone come over once a day to make sure they were taken care of and I'm wondering if that made a difference?