Crested Polish- breed aggressive?

[KathyR]

Hi,

I have 9 - 7 week olds of several different color varieties that I purchased from MM as day olds. They are supposed to all be pullets. I try handling them every day for at least a couple of minutes each. A couple of weeks back I noticed one or two of them bite my hand as I reach in to get the food dish to refill. Lately the number of biters has increased to 4 or 5. One of them will jump up to claw me. These same birds will sit on my lap when I go into the 5'x5' pen we have them in on a porch. I don't know if it is something I am doing to provoke this type of behavior. If It does not stop I will end up taking the little brats to the auction. Is this something to do with the breed? My three EE's the same age show no aggression at all. Any suggestions on how to put a stop to it?

Kathy

 

[ameraucanacrazy]

i have had ees that have done that and they turned out the be the biggest pets out of all the chickens

 

[KathyR]

Oh, that is good to hear. I don't want to have to get rid of them but I keep picturing them full grown and attacking me.

kathy

 

[teddiliza]

my chicks did that when they were looking for treats, as I used to hand feed them cheerios, but are sweet & tame hens, my 3 year old carries them around: NH, BR, BO. Maybe they're trying to get treats.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Lol, keep in mind that they may be pecking because they can't see anything.

I also notice that my girl will come up to me and peck my jeans when she wants something. Usually food. Or attention. If you keep responding in a way they like (getting what they want in the end), the pecking will increase because they'd figure out that that's how they get what they want. If they continue, put it to an end. Give them a small shove and walk away.

My adult Polish is just lovely. I'm currently trying to socialize my 3 chicks but I notice they are a bit more flighty. Otherwise I can't say anything bad about them. If they bite you, give them a shove with your hands. This behavior should be preventable.

 

[SweetMissDaisy]

Like PolishPrincess said, they may seem a bit more aggressive because they can't see well, and if you're hand is coming into the brooder or coop area above them, they might be a bit frightened, as they know all kinds of scary things come from above (like hawks)! Polish tend to be a bit more "flighty" than other breeds because of their feather plumes. Although, I've noticed they have the largest eyes of all the breeds I've ever raised. Some of my Polish hens like to be held, others don't. But they will all certainly have their own charms and I think you will enjoy their personalities. I keep a few just because I love having them around. I keep more "lovable" hens with them, so I get the best of both. I refer to them as my "crazy" hens, because they all seem a little "mental".

But I love them that way -- it goes with their wardrobe!