Aggressive Ameraucana

[PNW_Peepers]

I have six ten week old pullets of mixed breeds. I have two Ameraucana both with very different personalities. One of them is extremely aggressive. Not only does she peck me any time she can but now she had developed a hatred for me. She attacks me when I get near her, pecks really hard and won’t let go, she even lunges for me when I offer them meal worms or boiled egg. I’ve tried “pecking” back but honestly nothing works. I got her as a day old chick and she was always the most friendly up until about two weeks ago. What do I do?

 

[Sagey_7878]

Chances are it’s probably a aggressive cockerel trying to protect the others. Can you take a pic of him/her? Push and hold it down for a bit when it does that.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

This is the best I can do.
I’ve got them in the garage while the coop gets painted.

 

[Sagey_7878]

That one is definitely a boy, sorry. I can see saddle and sickle feathers... He is a aggressive cockerel and will be when his older unless you try to make him calmer and friendly.

 

[Chickassan]

He's pretty, but in that last picture that look on his face is scary. Those hormones are something else.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree that it's a cockerel, and he's likely not going to 'reform' if he's that awful so young!
Look up Beekissed article about handling cockerels ASAP, and you will need to manage him differently; wear jeans and shoes to protect yourself too.
Carry a stick or something to extend your reach, and move him away from you at all times. In fact, move him away a lot! He shouldn't be hand fed, or allowed into your space at all at this point. Be ready for sneak attacks from the rear, and again, move him away firmly.
Trying to carry this bird around isn't going to work, IMO. He's only going to get worse, not better, unless he really believes you immediately.
Think 'three strikes and you're out!' Don't wait for someone to be injured, especially a child.
Mary

 

[Sagey_7878]

I agree that it's a cockerel, and he's likely not going to 'reform' if he's that awful so young!
Look up Beekissed article about handling cockerels ASAP, and you will need to manage him differently; wear jeans and shoes to protect yourself too.
Carry a stick or something to extend your reach, and move him away from you at all times. In fact, move him away a lot! He shouldn't be hand fed, or allowed into your space at all at this point. Be ready for sneak attacks from the rear, and again, move him away firmly.
Trying to carry this bird around isn't going to work, IMO. He's only going to get worse, not better, unless he really believes you immediately.
Think 'three strikes and you're out!' Don't wait for someone to be injured, especially a child.
Mary

X2

 

[Farm boy 14]

not all cockrels are bad. was he held a lot when young? How do you approach him? If you can catch him, at least once a day pet and talk to him and let him know your not a threat,

 

[pennyJo1960]

x 3 he will stay mean unless you hold him down till he submits

 

[Farm boy 14]

ONCE HE GETS WADDLES PET THEM. IT CALMS THEM DOWN.