A greedy mama’s girl

[LizThumm]

Hi I’ve hand raised my babies. They are awesome. I have 8 total. Turns out two were roosters, so far because of my hand raising in the house they get along awesome. My issue not problem, is actually with one of my girls. She’s greedy lol and follows me everywhere. The following doesn’t bother me the greediness does. When I give treats I try when I can to hand feed it to them all to keep them friendly. Smokey will actually try to peck the hand that holds the treats when I’m feeding one of the other birds. She even pushes the others out of the way even if she has hers. Like they have something better. She jumps like a dog lol. Any ideas how to calm her some?

 

[azygous]

Chickens discipline younger individuals when they act out by pecking the naughty one on the back. You will use your pointer finger. Do this each time she shows unacceptable behavior.

 

[Mrs. K]

Chickens are not like puppies and kittens in which the nicer you are to them, the nicer they will be to you. They have a much more rigid pecking order system. Every time two birds meet, one is above (and gets the nicest stuff) and the other is below, (happy with the crumbs).

You can try the thumping, but I don't think it will have long term effects. Truthfully if she is pecking your hand, she sees you as below her.

As to your roosters - well todays behavior is no indicator of tomorrow's behavior with roosters. Hormones will often change them completely. And two roosters with just flock mates, is really going to be very hard on the pullets.

People tend to get very attached to their rooster chicks, because they are so outgoing, that they appear to be friendly, when in reality, they are not afraid of you...which is good in kittens and puppies, and not so good in cockerels, as it means a lack of respect for your space.

Do be very aware, as this forum is filled with stories where the darlings become the nightmare in an instant.

I would not feed any of them by hand, and I would spread the treats out.

Mrs K

 

[LizThumm]

Chickens are not like puppies and kittens in which the nicer you are to them, the nicer they will be to you. They have a much more rigid pecking order system. Every time two birds meet, one is above (and gets the nicest stuff) and the other is below, (happy with the crumbs).

You can try the thumping, but I don't think it will have long term effects. Truthfully if she is pecking your hand, she sees you as below her.

As to your roosters - well todays behavior is no indicator of tomorrow's behavior with roosters. Hormones will often change them completely. And two roosters with just flock mates, is really going to be very hard on the pullets.

People tend to get very attached to their rooster chicks, because they are so outgoing, that they appear to be friendly, when in reality, they are not afraid of you...which is good in kittens and puppies, and not so good in cockerels, as it means a lack of respect for your space.

Do be very aware, as this forum is filled with stories where the darlings become the nightmare in an instant.

I would not feed any of them by hand, and I would spread the treats out.

Mrs K

I actually do both with the treats. I’ve done my research on the roosters and am keeping watch I am not ignorant to the fact that I know they can turn on each other. I also know they can live together. I do know from my older hens hand rearing them (they are 2 years old) that it was a good thing. I know they are not dogs. Smokey is in the middle of the pecking order of the flock, when I shoo her she goes but you’re right she may be trying to dominate me and I will have to assert myself.

 

[azygous]

If the finger peck is ineffective, try the immobilization technique we use on a recalcitrant roo. Push her to the ground and hold her there until she relaxes and submits. Then release her after she ceases to struggle. This one usually gets results when the finger peck does not.