Buff orpingron doesn't like husband

[Dwnuk1207]

I have 2 bufforpingrons... we got them as eggs and have raised them. The will hopefully begin producing eggs in late September early October. About a month ago, the less dominant hen has begun "bullying" my husband: pecks, charges, growls or yells anytime he is near her-- and no one else.

Why is she doing this?

 

[sourland]

Are you positive that she is a pullet ? Can you post a picture ?

 

[Dwnuk1207]

Are you positive that she is a pullet ? Can you post a picture ?

Pretty sure... check out the pic. She is the one on the right.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Pretty sure... check out the pic. She is the one on the right.

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

What is the hatch date or actual age in weeks?

 

[Dwnuk1207]

Hatch date April 4 2019.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

How much did he handle her from day one? My Wife is recognized as the Provider of Food and Water. But I spent a great deal of time handling all the first 9 we got back in April. My kids call me the Chicken Whisperer because I would speak softly and stoke the birds backs or chest until the chicks fell asleep on my chest. Over the last months, they would all spend time perched on my shoulders or laying down on my chest, as I recline and watch TV. All are quite docile with me but the 3 Cockerels, now all feeling their Oats, will put on a show and charge my wife, but stopping short of contact. She yells at them to cut the Crap and they strut away with an " I showed HER who's Boss! " attitude. Pretty funny really. BOYS being boys...JJ

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I think that the bird on the left in the picture is a cockerel, but more photos will help. Side views!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

CJ, your cockerels need watching; that's BAD behavior!
Mary

 

[aart]

Do you hand feed them?

Have had this happen several times, mostly with hand fed chicks often as they come of age and get spunky. It's pretty easily curbed with calm and deliberate determination.

I peck them back, on the head or anywhere I can reach, with the tips of thumb and first 2 fingers, as hard and fast as many times as I can before they get away. Well, not hard enough to hurt them, just startle them and let them you mean business. That's what another chicken would do, so they understand that kind of communication.

If that doesn't work after a couple applications, I hold them down to the ground with my hand on their back until they submit....again firmly enough to get the job done but not hurt them....add a few finger pecks and/or tug on the feathers on the back of their neck.