Being attacked by VICIOUS chick!- UPDATE

[kgdeming]

If it were me - I would take the chick back (its still young) and tell them whats been happening and ask for a replacement. But that's me.

Good luck.

 

[serenityNH]

Good news! The vicious chick isn't going after me any longer and has not tried to bite me since he went out into the coop a week ago.

I think he was just very nervous, felt threatened and needed some space? I've pretty much been ignoring him and so far it's working-I am no longer living in fear of a 8oz chick! Phew

 

[FiveAcres]

I just read the entire thread for the first time.... I came upon the post about holding it like a football and for a split second thought they were going to suggest drop kicking through the uprights.... I am very happy to hear that the bad behavior is starting to subside... That first picture made me cringe a bit as my computer, with the volume completely down, began making a growling sound and then my mouse lunged at my hand. I quickly turned off the monitor and since it could not see me anymore, the activity stopped and I was able to power down without having to see those eyes again..... Keep us updated on the exorcisms, I mean progress of your little "guy"

 

[2overeasy]

Ha! That's funny

 

[serenityNH]

Quote:

If you think the picture is SCARY you should see him in person

He just sits there and stares at me with that look of death, he's quite intimidating for a little nugget!

 

[Sjisty]

I wonder if "she" is a "he" and already protecting the flock?

 

[JodyJo]

Oh my....my first time reading this....bless you for having the patience! I would keep an eye on that one, sounds rooish to me also...make sure he doesn't attack strangers or kids if they approach the coop and his girls...make sure he is aware that roos are easy to find and he can and will be replaced! Keep us posted, I would like to hear more of this epic story....and pics too! Long sleeves and leather gloves...invest in a pair!

 

[Jay1105]

Lol

 

[Pele]

This kind of aggressive behavior shouldn't be tolerated in any way. You do NOT want this chick teaching the others to peck at your face. It will if they see it doing that all the time to you.

You might want to try what I do with all my chicks, roo or hen. From day one, I spend time socializing with them like normal, with treats and perching, BUT every single chick also spends time in my hand on their backs. They'll protest at first because it's a very vulnerable position for them, but keep holding them for a few minutes each day, several times a day. Make sure it's not a scary experience by giving them bellyrubs and keeping a friendly tone with them. This treatment will establish their trust in you (clearly you arn't going to attack them if they spend every day with their bellies bare to you, and are still fine), but more importantly, it will establish your dominance to them.

For your baby, it might be too late in his/her life for this to work, but I'd start trying asap. Put on leather work gloves, and hold him upside down on the palm of your hand. Use your fingers as a gentle cage around him so he can't flap or stuggle and hurt himself. From what you describe, he might attack your fingers, but who cares since you have gloves on

. Eventually he'll figure out that resisting and pecking at you doesn't work, you arn't frightened of him, you arn't going to hurt him, and that you are dominant to him.

I've used this method for years, even back in the day when I could have roos. All of my roos have always respected me, and live in fear of ever challenging me since it will result in embarrassing bellyrubs in front of their ladies.

Good luck! If it's too late for him to learn respect, remove him from the flock immediately. He WILL teach everyone there to try to injure people.

 

[JodyJo]

Quote:
I 2nd this, sounds like great advice! I have 3 roos now in my flock and the one is always crowing at me when I come into the coop, after I told him he had two competitors, they are on audition now to see who stays and goes, I don't need 3 roos, he settled down, now he is sure to crow when I leave, to remind the girls who is in charge!

But this sounds like great advice...I have several who will let me pick them up, I wish I had known this little trick, then maybe all of them would be so sweet...I have 3 new 1 week old EE pullets, I am doing this to them daily...they aren't as jumpy around me already!