6-week-old pullet suddenly aggressive to my daughter

[keesmom]

No. I had considered the pecking could be from food aggression, but that's not it. I agree with Folly's place, have your daughter start "pecking" her back with a tap on her head. It doesn't have to be hard, just enough to get the point that her behavior won't be tolerated.

 

[reddogmaster2]

When pecked, she can peck back! It's a 'peckpeckpeck', as fast as possible, just hard enough to be irritating to the chick. With new chickens, and new chicken owners, it's easy to mis- interpret behaviors, and let things get out of hand. This chick is being rude, and needs to behave better.
Mary

Excellent advise Mary!

 

[Folly's place]

Wearing jeans and shoes or boots is always a good idea out there too. Don't make it easy for this bird to actually hurt you! I expect mine to respect my space, and not act like that, except of course for the broody hens, who are another story.

Mary

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Yes! Hand-feeding chicks is a great way to bond with them. If they won't take the food from her hand at first, then just let the hen be near your daughter when she sprinkles treats. Eventually the hen will learn that your daughter = yummy food. Just don't fill up on the treats, make sure she still eats plenty of her own feed for nutrients.

 

[Folly's place]

I think that hand feeding can encourage pecking behaviors, rather than improve things with a pushy pullet or cockerel. Tossing treats on the ground is good, but not offering body parts to be pecked.
Mary