chickens turning mean?

[al6517]

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No not really I guess what I mean is that my birds know that when I enter their pen's that after I leave they have fresh clean water and feed, clean straw and other things to enhance their quality of life. For what they really need for their basic physical survival needs, not for their emotions. I will often squat in the corner of their pen observing and evaluating them at various stages of their development. If I need to handle them it is quick and smooth and very brief, as to only inspect them closely for illness, injury, and care. Then they get released, so they know I am there to care for them not be their flock companion or friend. They are definitely better adjusted for it I am sure of that as I never have all the goofy issues with emotional interactions most pet folks associate with human needs. Saying that treating an animal like livestock in such a way as to imply that they are not cared for improperly is not true, some of us more realistic owners just don't treat them like humans that is my only point. I throughly enjoy my birds and care very well for them and they live an absolutely great life as a chicken not as a toy for the humans amusement.

 

[mysweetgypsy]

I think there is a happy middle ground. I do not think people should have chickens in their homes as pets, but to each his own. I have chickens for eggs and amusement

I do like them to be friendly. I want my family to walk out to the yard, or into the pen or coop, and be totally safe. If you think of them like little horses it may help

I've raised/trained horses too. I do not hand feed, but will pet them when I feel like it, carry them around if I want to, I'M the head chicken! Boss mare

Make pecking you VERY unpleasant for them however you see fit. (a good boot with the broom) Not to injure of course, but make it count. Look how they treat eachother, chickens can be brutal, you have to be the leader! If you find yourself feeling too intimidated, or you have one that seems to be the instigator, re-home that bird with a warning to the new owner. I have one little roo that will likely be in someones stew pot soon. He pecked me twice, I punished him, and he never did it again. But I know in his little rooster brain, he could go for one of my kids next time, so he's gone! Be the boss, I know they can really hurt, but you have to establish your own pecking order. Be the boss mare/hen

Good luck!

 

[LittleRedCoop]

Quote:
No not really I guess what I mean is that my birds know that when I enter their pen's that after I leave they have fresh clean water and feed, clean straw and other things to enhance their quality of life. For what they really need for their basic physical survival needs, not for their emotions. I will often squat in the corner of their pen observing and evaluating them at various stages of their development. If I need to handle them it is quick and smooth and very brief, as to only inspect them closely for illness, injury, and care. Then they get released, so they know I am there to care for them not be their flock companion or friend. They are definitely better adjusted for it I am sure of that as I never have all the goofy issues with emotional interactions most pet folks associate with human needs. Saying that treating an animal like livestock in such a way as to imply that they are not cared for improperly is not true, some of us more realistic owners just don't treat them like humans that is my only point. I throughly enjoy my birds and care very well for them and they live an absolutely great life as a chicken not as a toy for the humans amusement.

I apologize! By livestock I didn't mean uncared for animals, I just meant not what one would consider a member of the family. I do not consider my chickens part of my family, but I did raise them from chicks so they do have a place in my heart and being a young teenager I tend to give human qualities to my animals, something I am scolded for often

But I will heed your warning and treat them more like chickens and less like babies and I will reduce handling to only when it is necessary. I figure that it is kinder to let them be chickens and have a better relationship than treat them like babies and get pecked all the time. Thank you very much for your advice, I do appreciate it, as I appreciate all the advice I get from all the friendly and knowledgeable people here on BYC!

 

[LittleRedCoop]

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That is very well put, and thank you for connecting it to horses, something I actually understand! And I agree that chickens belong outside...can you imagine having a chicken sleep at the foot of your bed? Like you I keep them for eggs and entertainment and it was an amazing experience raising them from little youngsters and wathing them grow and lay their first eggs. I would gladly do it over again! I want to add to my existing flock next year, but I wanted to make sure I have somewhat of a clue with the girls I have before I go get more. That would be like having two crazy horses and getting a third; just adding to the disaster.
The run for my chickens is quite small (4x8 for 6 chickens) and I feel they can't get away from each other or have enough room to stretch their legs/wings. Could this also cause problems with pecking? For example, if a dog can't run around and play, he can become aggressive from pent up energy (like our beagle...if she is outside most of the day she is a happy girl and if she is kept inside she is wacko!), are chickens similar? All of my pullets have scabs on their combs (not fowl pox, I made sure), and I do see them squabble from time to time. Thank you for your advice, I do appreciate it!!!

 

[Nicole01]

I spend a lot of time with my chickens. I keep a chair inside the coop. I had one RIR pullet attack me when she was 10-12 weeks old three times. I assumed she was challenging me in the pecking order. I then picked her up and carried her for a few days. I was always gentle with her and I would also sit her in my lap until she was calm. Now that RIR pullet is 26 weeks old and she is as sweet as can be. All my girls stopped pecking me after a while. I discouraged them pecking me from the beginning. Even the very soft pecking. I can walk in the coop with my sandals and toe nail polish. Their ages are 18/19-26 weeks of age. They are very quick to submit and squat for me, even the top pullet of the flock. I have one EE pullet that squats every time I turn my head towards her.

If any of my chickens showed aggression for a period of time, I'd probably rehome them. My girls are extremely friendly and love human attention. They are our pets first and egg production is just a bonus! Although, it would be nice if they laid for a long time. I do not feed from my hand, I throw their treats on the ground in their run for them to scratch.

 

[LittleRedCoop]

Quick update --- Today, after viewing everyone's helpful advice and armed with a thick sweatshirt and tall boots, I walked into the run and sat on a few concrete blocks. As usual all 6 girls came running to see me. Right away they started pecking, gently, but still unacceptable. I decided to follow mysweetgypsy's advice and pretend they were little horses. With my horses, I make sure they are aware of my personal space, for safety reasons, and I don't allow them to invade my bubble unless I invite them. So, when 6 excited chickens came into my private sqaure, I gently tapped their chests with the toe of my boot, and they hurried away (probably insulted by the rejection). Each time they invaded my bubble or pecked me I pushed them away and within minutes they left me alone and went about pecking and scratching the ground

Success! I think I'll do this several times a day until they get the point. And absolutely no more hand-fed treats!
I just want to thank all of you, really. I was becoming concerned that I had raised 6 terrorists and that was exactly the opposite of what I wanted. I grew up around my neighbor's nasty RIR hen who always found pleasure in chasing us and pecking us....and I really didn't want that experience again! I really do care for my chickens and want them to be fun to be around. So thank you everyone!!

 

[LittleRedCoop]

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That is really awesome!! If I walked into the run with sandals....ouch.
I wasn't aware squatting was a submissive behavior...that explains why when I carry my girl Priscilla around and set her back down, she squats! I actually notice my pullets doing that quite often, especially the leghorns...cool!

 

[mjuenem]

When one of my hens gets a little familiar I stick my hand out with nothing in it - if she tries to peck I grab her beak with my thumb and forefinger and hang on for about 10 seconds. After 2 or 3 tries over 2 or 3 days, they get the message.

 

[al6517]

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OMG are you kidding you pushed them away !!!! how mean you big meany

and no more hand fed treats how cruel is that

Seriously good for you, perhaps now you flock can become normal chickens and this will help your enjoyment in them. I am glad you have seen the light, to bad too many other will never and have to live with the unrulyness.

 

[LittleRedCoop]

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I'm the meanest, of course. Thank you for your input though, it really did help! I went and sat with them again and after about a minute or so they gave up and went about their business. I am very pleased with the results just after two quick sessions.