Anyone else freaked out your chicken will peck your face?

[4myHennyPenny]

Sorry, I'm new at this, so excuse my silly question. Our chicks are 3 1/2 weeks and have begun accepting being held better these days. That also means that they're venturing up towards our shoulders, etc.

Several times they've seem awfully interested in our faces. You know, that long sideways stare they give before they peck at something. More than once, they've freaked me out.

Maybe I'm being ridiculous but have to admit I'm worried about being pecked in the eye or something. I've actually had my young dd bring the chick back down from her chest when it looked like it was ready to peck her (did nip at her hair and ears a couple of times).

Anyone else share this concern, or has it actually happened to you?

 

[eggchel]

You are wise to be cautious. Chickens are fast as lightening and could do some serious damage.

chel

 

[thndrdancr]

Yup, I think they will peck at eyes. I have read of two instances on here where people got pecked in the eyes.

Spotted Crow referred to the chicks lookin at that "shiny grape thing" that looks so delish!

So be careful, they dont know.

AFter all, if they think they can eat a freckle, they sure dont realize an eye isnt edible!

Jill

 

[Bubba]

It is in a birds nature to peck an eye. First part they eat.... It applies to all birds, UNTIL you know and trust a bird keep it out of your face.

Bubba

 

[MyPerfectChicken]

I actualy got pecked in my eye before!! I would not touch that chicken again (but of course, I was perfectly fine with the other ones).

 

[Country Gal]

I've had chicken farmers tell me that if I ever fall down in the coop or the run for any reason, to make sure and cover my eyes first because they will run up and start pecking. Probably a good idea to be cautious!

 

[justusnak]

I can tell you from first hand experience...getting pecked in the eye...HURTS LIKE THE DICKENS!
I have a white langshan hen.....she loves to be held..and will jump up on my shoulder from time to time. One day...I was just going to reach for her to put her down, and as I turned my head sideways to look at her, WHAM!! She got my eye. I tell ya....it hurt something fierce for 2 days. Cold compresses on the eye for 2 days, now I wear my sunglasses in the coop. Lesson learned!

 

[SeaChick]

I, too, have been pecekd in the eye. This chick is extremely friendly and curious, and also the one most likely to try to eat ANYTHING. She certainly wasn't trying to be mean or aggressive, but she just pecks everything new to see if its food. Very disconcerting, though. Is there any way to discipline them from doing that sort of thing (or pecking freckles, for example) or are their brains just too small to differentiate between good/curious pecking and BAD pecking of human friends?

 

[hisbride]

I am freaked that my son will get pecked in the eye! He loves to hold the chickens and each time as they sit in his lap they will raise their heads and give the sideways look. He leans back but still....I like the sunglasses idea.

 

[Southern28Chick]

I've never been pecked in the eye but my EE pullet Turkey got my lip the other night. I was just trying to kiss her goodnight. lol