Biting Pullet

[itsnickers]

I have 4 Red Sex Links pullets that are 16 weeks old. There was one who I thought was sort of coming after me but then I though she just wanted out of her coop. Today, I let the girls out of their coop and this one pullet threw herself right at me open mouthed and got my leg. I reacted and reached down to move her away and she just kept biting everywhere she could. I finally got a little kick in and ran out. Their coop is under a tree where I have to bend over and watch where I move around so I am somewhat caught back there.

We raised them from 1 day old and they have been very sweet. They call to us when they see us, and they follow us around when we let them out. We don't pick them up much but we fed them face to face and hand feed often as we are trying to introduce them to new foods.

So, the first blow drew blood and a large black n blue mark. The subsequent attempts broke skin but as I fought her off, no blood.

What is going on? What is my next move? (other than wearing pants and boots from now on....)

 

[aart]

Yikes...I got bit the other day on my inner arm hurt like the dickens and left a bruise.

Your birds are probably getting close to laying so are surging with hormones, can make them cranky and defensive.

Are you sure it's female?(mistakes do happen, even with sexlinks)
Post pics of them all?

When it happens again, hold the bird down on the ground until it submits to your authority.
Hold it's wings clamped to body if necessary.
Birds belly on ground, your hand on it's back, tug the feathers on back of it's neck.

 

[rides2far]

My black sex link started pecking me from behind. After I carefully drop kicked her a few times, she stopped. I was careful not to hurt her & I would loudly yell, "No!" She's a good girl, now.

 

[itsnickers]

The biter was one of the two on the right! I have to admit though, they're still cute! Maybe it's the heat!

 

[aart]

The biter was one of the two on the right! I have to admit though, they're still cute! Maybe it's the heat!

The ones on the right definitely look like pullets.
The one in the back sure has a bigger comb/wattles, but doesn't really look cockerel-ish....looks close to laying with all that comb/wattle color.

I would just try to pin her down if she bites again, if that doesn't work maybe give her a time out in a wire crate for a few hours or so.

 

[rides2far]

Red sex link males are white with red wings. The one in the back is probably getting ready to lay.