Hello

[BeachFowl78]

Just stopping in to say hello. I don't have chickens but there are bantam flock on my apartment complex, and I occasionally give a treat and or help them if they are thirsty or ill. Lately, they seem very aggressive, as it is pheromone season and they are courting hens, and are treating me like they've never seen me before or want me to leave and not visit them or the yard. I have not changed anything with them, I think they may be in a rut and acting out. How can I behave about them and show them I am not a threat? Some of the hens do have chicks now but I am friendly to them and put out some fruit or something for all to enjoy.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

Does the owner know you're giving treats? I would check with them as some of us don't want chicks getting anything but their crumble. Maybe ask them if they could give you some of that and you could make it in a mash for the chicks. They love that!!

For older chickens, as they grow they do change, especially the roosters. Just spending a little time around them will get them used to you again. For them, a good healthy treat is a little scrambled eggs. Again, I'd make sure their owner doesn't mind that though.

 

[BeachFowl78]

They free range and don't belong to anyone. I look out for them as best as I can, but we're not able to have a coop or anything, plus I know they enjoy running about on their own.

 

[Debbie292d]

They free range and don't belong to anyone. I look out for them as best as I can, but we're not able to have a coop or anything, plus I know they enjoy running about on their own.

OH, in that case, can you pick up a bag of chick starter/grower next time you're in town? They all would love some of that I bet, plus it'll give them some vitamins they're missing out on.

 

[BeachFowl78]

It's something I can look into I suppose. Anything you'd recommend?

 

[Debbie292d]

It's something I can look into I suppose. Anything you'd recommend?

Any brand is fine. It's just called Chick Starter or Chick Grower. If you have a TSC or farm store, they will have it, and even Walmart I think I saw it in.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. Chicken are allot of fun.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC! The males may be maturing. They may not like it when you touch "their" females. A mature male will be very protective of his flock.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

When the breeding season hits here, my rooster gets extra ornery. What you want to do is ignore the hens and just give treats to the roosters. Let them feed their hens. Move slowly and don't make direct eye contact with them. Where long pants and sleeves to protect yourself if you get flogged. If that happens just stand there and don't react. That always throws them for a loop.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!