Hello!

[Checkinonmychicks]

Very new to chickens! Literally just bought my first 2 this weekend. They are Old English Bantams, a rooster and a hen. He is a very affectionate, probably could be held all day..lol! The hen, not so much. I can get her to let me hold her for a minute or two at most. I have a question about his behavior though, is this normal? Also, he will jump down from me holding him to peck and flog my legs. I thought that it was his way of saying that he wanted held but he is jumping down from being held to do it. Anyone know why? Is he marking me as his territory, should I allow this to continue, if not, how do I stop it?

 

[Tookie]

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[janiedoe]

Hi, welcome to BYC.
Do not let him flog you. I'd peck him on top of the head with my fingers. Some people will tell you not to be friendly with him. I disagree in most cases
I hold my roosters and treat them the same as my hens. But, if they peck me, they get pecked back. If they dance around me, I pick them up and hold them. You have to be dominant. You want him to know your the boss, but not to be terrified of you.
Good luck and enjoy your flock!

 

[cmom]

He is telling you he is the alpha.

 

[Isadora]

Him trying to flog you is not saying that he wants you to hold him. He wants to be dominant, head rooster.
Welcome to BYC!

 

[Mrs J]

Hello and welcome

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined us.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC. We’re so glad you joined!