Chick biting every chance she gets

[MommaKat]

Everytime I am at the brooder there is 1 particular chick, I think she is a Delaware, that not just pecks at me any chance she gets, but she is actually grabbing hold and a few times it hurt!

I have named her "Dinner", because if she keeps this up, that is what she will end up as

Is this normal? All the other chicks will run over and try to get on me or they may peck or just watch, but she bites. Just wondering if anyone else has had a chick like this and wondering how their temperment was once they got older/bigger?

Thanks,
Kat

 

[mom23chicklets]

I have a Delaware in my flock. I did not notice it to bite me as a chick, but I can say that at almost 20 weeks old, she is probably the meanest/bossiest bird in my group. She will come up to me and start pecking at any little thing that is on my clothing. She will peck pretty hard when eating out of my hand. And most of all, I've noticed that she will peck real hard at the other birds if they happen to get in her way.

So, my experience has been that the Delaware is not a sweet lap chicken! Hope this helps!

 

[peepkeeper]

I haven't had this, but when one of mine get out of line I nip them with my thumb and forefinger like I'm pecking them. They squak and jump away and keep a respectful distance after that. It doesn't hurt them, just gives them the message that you are the boss. I also move any bullies with my foot, gently, so that I'm telling her where to stand and I'm taking her space. They get the point.

Chicken whispering! Be the alpha chicken!

 

[robin416]

I managed to hatch three boys who think its a good idea to bite. They're like turtles, grab on and won't let go. I haven't fully broken them of it yet but we're working on it. I pick them up so they can 't get hold of anythng with their mouth, then gradually move them closer to my body as they calm down. I haven't been bitten in a while now.

 

[pattycake]

Yep, I've had the exact same experience with my Delawares. When I go into their henhouse to clean it, they sneak up behind me and peck my clothes. Even though they ought to have learned that there is nothing edible on my clothing and I always shoo them away. The other breeds do not do this. I think what they are is DUMB. They are also the chickens who get lost from the flock the most when they freerange.

 

[MommaKat]

Thanks for the responses

For now if I need to tend to anything I hold her in one hand and have use of the other. It is a pain but it stops her from pecking. She is very calm while being held.

I will start "nipping" back at her and shooing her. Hopefully she might get it

Thanks

Kat