Aggressive Pullet???

[AltonaAcres]

We received 3 Delawares (1 cockerel, 2 pullets) from a family who could not raise them, as they live in the city. As they were leaving, they mentioned that one of the pullets liked to peck them. I assumed it was just that they weren't used to chickens, and how they sometimes peck. However, after several days, it was apparent that one of the pullets is actually aggressive towards humans. She will leave the food or her friends just to come peck me. She jabs at me with her beak like she's trying to hurt me. It's like I have my aggressive rooster back again! The little pullet is super adorable, she's only 8 weeks old. Does anyone know why this is happening, or if I should keep her or cull her?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

The little pullet is super adorable, she's only 8 weeks old. Does anyone know why this is happening, or if I should keep her or cull her?

Are you sure it's a pullet?

Any peck me with intent... I peck them right back!

Since she is young I would work on behavior modification before culling. After that, culling *could* be just going to another home where her behavior isn't an issue.

For me, I 100% believe that attitude breeds forward... not just from cocks but from hens as well! And attitude gets birds culled from my flock faster than faults, gender, or readiness.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If she pecks you, peck her back. Use your thumb and forefinger to make a "beak" and jab her in the back, back of neck area - not hard enough to hurt but enough to get a reaction. That's how chickens tell another chicken off. Try that for a while and see if that helps.

 

[AltonaAcres]

DEFINITELY a pullet. Her comb is the same size as her sisters, and way smaller and lighter than her brothers. I will try pecking her back. lol