I have a year old Wyandotte and an 11 month old Top Hat that have started to bite and hard! This is new to both of them and they seem to be out for blood. I am looking for ways to break them of this mainly because I have small children that, once bitten, will never help with the chickens again. I want them to be able to enjoy them as much as I do. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance, Shallfish
"Peck" them back. Every time one pecks or bites you, take your index and middle fingers and give 'em a whack on the side of the head. We had a hen that was biting - she stopped. I think it may remind them that you're at the top of the pecking order. I've never seen a hen peck one that's higher in "rank," so once they think of you as higher, they won't bother you.
I have a Brahma cockerel that BITES! Yes, biting is different from pecking. Biting often results in chunks of flesh being removed. Pecking is annoying, while biting hurts like the dickens! When my roo bites me, I usually smack him hard on the beak with whatever implement I happen to be holding, or just smack him up side the head. If I have time, I will push his head to the ground and hold it there for a bit to show him who's boss. The "lesson" usually lasts for the rest of the day, and he forgets by the next day, and bites again. He's only been tolerated so far because that's the only aggression he shows. Biting is a serious problem, especially if there are small children who could be injured. Those beaks can do some serious damage. You need to resolve it somehow.
can they bite that hard...? i've been biten by my OEGB's, but never thought how hard a LF rooster could bite... i have had some hens that bite, but i just grab some neck feathers and give them a little tug... i don't pull them out, but i let them know that i mean biddness... or if they're giving one hen a hard time, i grab the other hen and maker her fight back and win with my hand... LOL, it looks funny, like i'm playing with stuffed animals but it works...
I agree with Q9, i did that with one of mine and she recognized i was above her in the pecking order-
Quote:Our hen bit, but not that hard! Hens can get that mean?! Hmmm... That probably calls for a much harder slap.
Could it be that your hens are going broody? I've never had a hen bite me unless I was reaching under a broody hen who didn't want to give up her eggs. My broody New Hampshire Reds are the worst!!!! they are the ones who will take big plugs out of my hands/arms. I have to wear my leather jacket and heavy gloves when the NHRs are broody. Also, chickens can become aggressive if they feel crowded.
