I have a chicken (unknown breed) that we raised from the day she hatched. She is about 6 months old, and not yet laying. She has a "sister" and "brother" of exactly the same age. Over the last 2 weeks, she has started "attacking" me when I go in the coop or run. She pecks at my hands and legs, and gets pretty nasty about it. (It actually hurts a bit, and one time she nearly punctured the skin on my forearm). She does it when I go near her, when I try to put some "treats" out for her, or go near her sister, who is super-affectionate, or her brother, who is a very mild-mannered rooster (he sometimes pecks her for pecking me). None of the other (unrelated) hens we have participate in this behavior...it's just this one hen. There is no pecking among the other hens (except for the occasional "get out of my food" pecks early in the morning). Any ideas on how to stop this, and what might be the cause? Thanks in advance! Red
Assure her that you are bigger, stronger, and meaner. You can do so by forcing her to the ground as she approaches you - one hand in the middle of her back and the other forcing her head to the ground. Hold her there until she stops struggling, wait a bit and release her. If she reattacks repeat theprocess until she gives up. You can also use a fishing net to accomplish the same submission. It's all about dominance - she is subordinating you in the pecking order. You ARE bigger and can change her attitude. Do so or it will most likely escalate. Good luck. Wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt while 'educating' her.
