Can I peck back at my chickens?

[ChocolateMouse]

I think rosemarythyme hit that on the head. It's kind of like puppies chewing on hands. You have to tell them in their language that what they're doing hurts, and chickens communicate this by pecking back, usually on the head. A sharp tap on the head can mimic this very nicely.

 

[Mrs. K]

Don't feed them so close to you. Also, go into the set up, leaving the food outside. Attend to the water.... and wait for them to calm down a bit, then feed them. Or even, set the feed out, and then allow the birds to come out of the coop. People love it when they come running for feed, thinking of it as a sign of affection, but that is giving chickens people's emotions.

I got this advice a few months ago, and really since I started feeding like this, I am much happier with their behavior. Mine were racing to me and pecking my feet. I didn't like that.

MRs K