any insight to my hen's odd behavior?

[yomama]

Quote: That's just it. I've never seen her be bossy to any of the other hens, and I'm with them alot. Not even the poor little Silkies that everyone else picks on. What's funny is for the first time in a long time, she didn't go after me last night. She must know I've been talking about her, lol! I've had sweet roos, and I've had a nasty roo. Like you, there was no going back and forth in behavior. The sweet one was very respectful of me, even attacked one of his hens when she went after me! (she was broody at the time, and mean). Our roo that was naughty, you wouldn't dare turn your back on him. I'm not so worried with Manly,since she is no where near that aggressive. But I do miss the feeling of being able to walk freely through the chicken yard, especially if I am wearing shorts or sandals, without looking behind me. And she follows me EVERYWHERE!!

 

[azygous]

There is an alternative explanation to her seemingly aggressive behavior.

First of all, hens aren't aggressive for the same reasons roosters are. Most of the time, when a hen pecks you, she is trying to get your attention. All chickens communicate with their beaks. They discipline those lower in rank with a quick peck to the head, but they also peck each other softly during mutual preening sessions.

Some hens are more fixated than others about tiny freckles or warts on your skin, and they'll peck at them. Have you examined your feet to see if you have anything that might invite a hen to investigate it? All exploration and investigation of things occur with their beaks.

From your description of her following you around everywhere, it's quite possible your hen is quite fond of you, and is pecking you to get your attention. Next time she does that, try picking her up and tucking her head under your arm, and hold her close. If she relaxes right down and doesn't struggle to get out of your arms, then you have a hen who only wants to be cuddled, and she has been trying to let you know this.

 

[yomama]

There is an alternative explanation to her seemingly aggressive behavior.

First of all, hens aren't aggressive for the same reasons roosters are. Most of the time, when a hen pecks you, she is trying to get your attention. All chickens communicate with their beaks. They discipline those lower in rank with a quick peck to the head, but they also peck each other softly during mutual preening sessions.

Some hens are more fixated than others about tiny freckles or warts on your skin, and they'll peck at them. Have you examined your feet to see if you have anything that might invite a hen to investigate it? All exploration and investigation of things occur with their beaks.

From your description of her following you around everywhere, it's quite possible your hen is quite fond of you, and is pecking you to get your attention. Next time she does that, try picking her up and tucking her head under your arm, and hold her close. If she relaxes right down and doesn't struggle to get out of your arms, then you have a hen who only wants to be cuddled, and she has been trying to let you know this.

I know that some of my hens will peck at my shiny toe nail polish, or freckles, but this is different. She does this when I have boots on too. She actually gets all fluffed up and stands real tall sometimes when she is doing this, reminding me of an aggressive roo. She has never re-challenged me, but doesn't always scare off easily when I yell or swing at her. I really don't condone hitting any animal, but it is just a reflex from defending myself from the nasty roo we had. Funny thing is, since I posted this thread, she hasn't done it once! And she has been doing this for months!!