almost 16 week old NN went after me today

[new_chick_mama]

Hello everyone I really baffled by duchies behaviour today. These guys will be 16 weeks old in 3 days. On February 15th period I have raised them all from one day old.
one of the smallest naked necks, who normally is super friendly, took food out of my hand this morning when I offered it.. just like they usually do. But about 10 minutes later when I was just sitting in the coop like I do every day twice A-day hanging out with them, he came over an nipped my hand so hard, they drew blood.

At 1st I was inclined to think maybe they thought I still had food in my hand. I held my hands out showed there was nothing in my hand with my palms facing up, and they got the back of my hand again.
I did not show any fear and stood up. He backed down and wandered back over meandering an eating.
About 10 minutes later I was sitting down when one of my other naked next Frida walked over to me and I started rubbing her chest. This is something I do for the naked next everyday and they all seem to enjoy it and come to me for attention. This time though I had only been rubbing her chest for a few seconds and duckee came over and jumped almost a foot high and drew blood on the bone of my wrist.
Now... no idea if boy or girl. people say there are saddle feathers, BUT feathers are rather rounded and full.. very unlike the saddle feathers on my 3 roo's. any input would be appreciated. not major injuries, but it hurt..

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Pretty sure they're a girl, but male or female, I wouldn't keep a bird that's aggressive enough to draw blood

 

[new_chick_mama]

Pretty sure they're a girl, but male or female, I wouldn't keep a bird that's aggressive enough to draw blood

it was quite the shock... Octavia pokes at me to get attention.. it startles me.. but she's never bruised or broken skin.. yes.. ill see if there is something I can do... but ya, I don't wanna be injured.. Thanks..

 

[Folly's place]

'Super friendly' can be actually 'super bold' and obviously no respect for you or your space. Sounds like an overly ambitious cockerel to me. If it's actually a pullet, still miserable behavior! Try no hand feeding, only having birds in your lap by invitation, and pecking fast and hard when this bird is planning to nail you. Hard enough to be irritating, and make your point, not hard enough to cause injuries. nicer than how you were treated!
One of my 2020 pullets has pecked me, and we've had chats, and she's much more respectful. Peck back, try holding the bird, and see if this behavior gets better.
Not nice, and likely to get worse if it's a cockerel.
Mary

 

[Painted Calls]

It's a pullet. Sounds like hand feeding them is making them lose respect for you. I would stop treats altogether. Once her behavior changes, only offer treats from the ground.

 

[FuzzyCritters]

Looks like a pullet. She may grow out of her aggressiveness. I had a pullet that did the exact same thing, but she calmed down as she got closer to POL.

 

[new_chick_mama]

'Super friendly' can be actually 'super bold' and obviously no respect for you or your space. Sounds like an overly ambitious cockerel to me. If it's actually a pullet, still miserable behavior! Try no hand feeding, only having birds in your lap by invitation, and pecking fast and hard when this bird is planning to nail you. Hard enough to be irritating, and make your point, not hard enough to cause injuries. nicer than how you were treated!
One of my 2020 pullets has pecked me, and we've had chats, and she's much more respectful. Peck back, try holding the bird, and see if this behavior gets better.
Not nice, and likely to get worse if it's a cockerel.
Mary

thanks so much.. yes it was really crazy and unexpected. even the big rooster (same age but size of godzilla lol ) who NEVER wants to be touched in any way, has never done that.

 

[Rldad1]

If she was mine, I would have a strong discussion and show her the frying pan. Mine get one, maybe 2 drop kick behaviors and then it is history.

 

[new_chick_mama]

If she was mine, I would have a strong discussion and show her the frying pan. Mine get one, maybe 2 drop kick behaviors and then it is history.

I think she's getting hormonal. much like a teen girl.. so ill have the discussion, ill pin her if I need to. yesterday afternoon I went back in and there were only looks, no aggression. I made it a point to touch her.. pick her up and move her and nothing.. so ill ride through it and see if we can level off.

 

[Nero70002]

And maybe if you get closer wear gloves for a day or two before you teach them how to treat you.