Chick is agressive toward me?

[Aidragonfly]

Hi everyone! I'm really new to raising chicks. I got 3 Buff Orpingtons on Tuesday, which I think are about 2 weeks old. Two are starting to get their feathers and are sweet and docile. One looks slightly younger and doesn't have many feathers yet, but for being the youngest, it is the most aggressive! I have tried to leave them be, just putting my hand in to change bedding, food, water, maybe stroke their backs. Every time I put my hand in, the little one puts its head down, wings up, and charges at my hand! I have to admit, I'm a little taken aback, so I have pulled my hand out before it could "get" me. My question is, what do I do?? Should I give it more time, is it because its showing aggressive behavior already? Or is that "friendly" because its running to me? Haha, I feel lost at this. I can call the store where I purchased them and ask their advice.. (They said if its a roo, they would "take care of him" but I won't know that for a while. In the mean time, I would like to put my hand in the brooder without being attacked. Thank you in advance for your advice!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It's not necessarily a cockerel just because it pecks at anything it perceives as a predator.

Just give it time. Perhaps hold it a few times a day.

In my experience, most people at feed stores and such that sell chicks know practically nothing about chickens. Just because they sell them doesn't make them experts at anything other than knowing where they store the chicken feed.

 

[mortie]

If this were my chick, I would scoop it up and love on it every time it did this. In fact, we were quite hands on with all of our chicks from day 1. Either the chick will not like being cuddled and stop rushing you, or it will learn that you are the source of cuddles and treats and chill out.

 

[Aidragonfly]

Thanks for the replies!! I agree, I should just wait it out, I did only get them a few days ago. It's expected they would be trying to figure everything out. I went in and spent awhile talking to them, then changed their bedding, then picked each one up and stroked their heads. After that, the little one seemed more okay with my presence. Thanks again for the words of encouragement!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Almost every time I have a batch of new chicks and reach in to deal with water or feed, almost inevitably one or two will be aggressive and peck at my hand. Doesn't really reflect sex or ultimate personality.

 

[Sylviaanne]

Hi everyone! I'm really new to raising chicks. I got 3 Buff Orpingtons on Tuesday, which I think are about 2 weeks old. Two are starting to get their feathers and are sweet and docile. One looks slightly younger and doesn't have many feathers yet, but for being the youngest, it is the most aggressive! I have tried to leave them be, just putting my hand in to change bedding, food, water, maybe stroke their backs. Every time I put my hand in, the little one puts its head down, wings up, and charges at my hand! I have to admit, I'm a little taken aback, so I have pulled my hand out before it could "get" me. My question is, what do I do?? Should I give it more time, is it because its showing aggressive behavior already? Or is that "friendly" because its running to me? Haha, I feel lost at this. I can call the store where I purchased them and ask their advice.. (They said if its a roo, they would "take care of him" but I won't know that for a while. In the mean time, I would like to put my hand in the brooder without being attacked. Thank you in advance for your advice!!

I can't tell by your name if you are a lady or a man but if you are a lady and wear nail polish, it might be going after the nail polish. I have that happen a lot but I also have them do like you said, head down, wings out and here it comes. LOL Usually, I just leave my hand there to show it that I mean no harm and after a few times it will settle down. Then it just comes running to see what I am doing, no longer showing the threatening posture.

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. You will learn a lot here and then constantly keep learning a lot. Always something new. LOL

 

[MamaChicken4]

I second the nail polish situation. But I'd give it time and try to handle it with your hands. Try picking it up firmly on the sides. It may take time for it to get use to you.

 

[Lurch77]

I have tried to leave them be, just putting my hand in to change bedding, food, water, maybe stroke their backs.

Unless you have a reason for not wanting to interact too much, I would start doing it more. The more interaction you have with the chicks, they friendlier they will likely be. Our chicks were gently handled many times a day, every day, and they are almost like lap dogs now that they are adults. Very friendly birds.

 

[Aidragonfly]

Thank you also much for the replies! I am a girl, and I read they are attracted to red nail polish so I'm glad I don't have any on! I have been handling them a bunch more, and it is really helping! They run over to my hand and chirp at me when they hear my voice. You were all right that it takes consistency and time!

 

[calichicken]

YAY!!! Just keep handling them and they will continue to be friendly and OK with your presence. I have always had friendly chicks due to handling and loving them