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Chicken pecking

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sizzlepop16

sizzlepop16

Chirping
6 Years
Jun 30, 2013
3
0
60
Hey,
I have two healthy red New Hamshire Red Hens that I've had for about two years. They will let me pick them up and sometimes they jump on my lap and give me hugs. They are both very sweet and friendly with everyone. One of my hens though, Butter, will sometimes peck my shoes. It usually happens when I just walk past her or when I am walking away from her. Like if I give them a little snack I turn and walk away and I hear her running behind me and suddenly I feel a peck and turn around to see her neck feathers raised and her gazing at my feet. I would really appreciate it if you would tell me what this behavior could mean.
Thanks
 
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Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!
LL
 
Greetings from Kansas, sizzlepop16, and
welcome-byc.gif
! Pleased you joined us! If she pecked you and stayed put I'd say she was acting broody and wanting you out of there. But if she follows and pecks at you I'd say she thinks she's the top chicken and is trying to show you who is boss. One way to break her of this is when she does it, pick up under your arm and just carry her around for a little while. Don't let her fuss and kick her way free. Then you set her down on your terms and walk away. Does this a few times - shows her she's not in charge - you are. Others would advise a swift boot to the rear end when she pecks but that will make her skittish around you. Good luck to you!
 
And too, once after she pecked me I was curious and took off my shoe and gave it a little toss and she went over to where it landed and started pecking it over and over until it stopped moving with her feathers raised. It doesn't matter what kind of shoe it is either.
 
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