Chick aggression?

[flockoffour]

My black australorp is about 2.5 months and lately she started trying to bite me when I put a bag of treats away, and she tries to "challenge me"
I'm pretty sure she's a hen, so why is she doing this and what should I do about it?

 

[TwoCrows]

I have a Australorp hen that is the same way. She started attacking me at 3 months old. She got very aggressive with the other Aussies as well and at one point, I had to put pinless peepers on her to not only stop the aggression with the other hens, but the ripping of my flesh! I have scars to prove it! LOL

Well, over the months, she wore the peepers on and off, here and there. She is now 16 months old and is much less aggressive. She will still raise her hackles at me, but never will she bite me again. (I flipped her over in my lap so many times, I can not count them anymore)

And she is no longer really aggressive with the other hens. Once in a while, especially with treats, she will assert her dominance. But not to the point she needs peepers. Although they will remain handy forever.

Good luck with your hen. Some birds are just cranky. And Aussies are no exception. You may need to go the Pinless Peeper route to help deter this behavior. You can get them at eggcartons.com or randallburkey.com

 

[mcjessen]

I have a 15 month old BA and has decided that she doesn't like me anymore. For several months now, she will circle me and drop her shoulder and then peck at my hand or my leg. (She is the dominant hen) I've tried squashing her to the ground (not hurting her), picking her and loving on her, ignoring the behavior and giving her treats. I'm starting to think that I've wronged her in some way. She does not treat my hubby or daughter this way. I'll try flipping her on her back. She's headed to the fair for a week in August so if she doesn't change her ways now, the removal from the flock will happen in August. I think she's just getting cranky in her old age.

 

[nova022]

My BA has become aggressive to other chickens lately. She has never messed with me. She chest bumps and flys at the other girls. Is this normal for a BA?

 

[mrsc1951]

My BA has become aggressive to other chickens lately. She has never messed with me. She chest bumps and flys at the other girls. Is this normal for a BA?

Chest bumping among pullets is normal. Sort of a hormonal thing they go through as teenagers. Funny that several of you have aggressive BAs. Both of mine are so sweet.