I've got a 1 1/2 year old Speckled Sussex hen named Mandy. Due to her behavior though, we call her "Manly". She is one of a flock of 12 hens,(and a duck) with no roo at the present time. I know that sometimes when a flock is all girls, one hen may take on the role as the rooster. However, her actions are confusing me. The girls have a run, with access to the yard. When I first enter the run, it is almost a guarantee that she will peck my foot, and hard. Yesterday, she broke the skin! Usually, my first reaction is to give her the boot, and that is usually enough to scare her off. At first I thought she was just getting a little too excited for treats, which is every evening, since that is when she starting doing this. But now it is every time I enter the run. At times even charging me. However when I am out in the yard she is different. She follows me around every where, like a puppy dog, even squatting like she would for a roo if I get close to her. I've also notice that the faster I walk in the run, the more likely she will go after my feet/legs. She is not aggressive or bossy to any of the other hens. Also, the times when we have had a roo, she did not act like this. I've very confused about her Jekyll and Hyde personality. Any one know what could be going on that little brain of hers?
