HELP! My hen has suddenly become mean.

[lovesfarms]

It can also be jealousy. Hens can see you as the top of the pecking order. If you give one of the other hens more attention then her, she may be jealous. I especially noticed that they see my shoulders as the best spot. The two chicks fighting for top position would literally push each other off my shoulders, scratching me in the process. If one sat in my lap, the other would scratch me with her break as if telling me she wanted that spot. Is she punishing you for giving more attention to the others? You do have a spot on their pecking order if you are a favorite care taker, you know!

 

[57birdlover]

It's uncommon for a submissive cockerel to crow, as that job is reserved for the dominant male in the flock (sometimes the dominant female if there is no rooster in the flock). The dominant birds eat first, lounge in the best locations, and are afforded a very respectful, wide-berth from others in the flock, particularly the same-gendered members of the flock.

Well my rooster is very gentle. I have fed all of them by hand since i brought them home a babies l. He used to pick on the other Buff. She/he runs from him and keeps her/his distance fromy rooster

 

[RainbowHen]

Your "hen" is a rooster

 

[57birdlover]

It can also be jealousy. Hens can see you as the top of the pecking order. If you give one of the other hens more attention then her, she may be jealous. I especially noticed that they see my shoulders as the best spot. The two chicks fighting for top position would literally push each other off my shoulders, scratching me in the process. If one sat in my lap, the other would scratch me with her break as if telling me she wanted that spot. Is she punishing you for giving more attention to the others? You do have a spot on their pecking order if you are a favorite care taker, you know!

She has always been a little skidish unlike the others. She won't let me touch her like the rest

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm sorry, but both birds pictured are 100% cockerels.

 

[57birdlover]

Okay so anyone in the Chicagoland area, and would like a rooster! Lol