I have 5 hens, 2 RIR and 3 PBR, the PBR's are the worst about biting me, I have no idea why they do this, it's not investigative, it's meanness. They have always done this dispite my attempts to break the habit. I was told to peck them back and that should stop the issue, well it didn't so I asked again and was told that whenever they bite (it's not just a peck, it's an open mouthed bite that usually breaks skin) to gently but firmly pin them to the ground until they stop struggling. I tried this one time but it felt cruel and I was worried about hurting them while they struggled so I never did it again. Could that be why they still bite? Should I have continued that? Whatever the cause, they still bite, all of them but the PBR's do it more than the RIR's. Could this be a breed trait? I was under the impression that PBR's were very docile, sweet birds. I am at my wit's end. The ages are: RIR's and 1 PBR are 17 weeks and the other 2 PBR's are 14 weeks. I guess they are still technically pullets, please forgive my calling them hens.
Any ideas on the cause and solution is very much appreciated.
Sylie
Any ideas on the cause and solution is very much appreciated.
Sylie