Aggressive behaviour

xcop

Chirping
Apr 3, 2015
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7
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Thought I would throw this out to everybody. I have five 13 week year old Plymouth Barred Rocks (I am hoping they are all hens!) who are used to being handled and often seek my lap out for free rubs. Today for the first time, one of them jumped up on the arm of the chair I was sitting in and when I tried to stroke her she pecked me. I was able to touch her but she did not seem to want it and kept looking for an opportunity to peck me. This is the first time I have experienced this type of behaviour. I have not noticed any of them ever fighting and there were no visible injuries to her. I have seen them in brief face-offs (which I assume is a quest for dominance) but never fight. What could have prompted her behaviour? Is this a phase? I have never hurt her and they are spoiled rotten and very healthy. Is she:

1) A possible he?
2) Wants food?
3) Just acting like a teenager?

Your comments would be appreciated!
 
I usually give them treats every time I visit, in moderation. This time I didn't so you may be right. Thanks!
 
I noticed she did not leave the muskoka chair so she certainly wasn't afraid
 
You've trained them to expect a treat every time they see you so are pecking the vending machine trying to dislodge candy.

Don't give treats all the time and you should stop all together for a week at least to retrain them. I don't give treats every day and certainly not every visit but do call them when I have leftovers or some cracked corn to train them to come to my call. They learn to associste the call witn treats so come running to the call alone to aid in management.
 
Okay makes perfect sense. I never give them much...just a small handful of oats for example...but obviously I have established a pattern...thus the tantrum. They do race to the door every time I come at warp speed. And here I thought it was because of my charming personality. Thanks again.
 

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