Hen challenging me for pecking order

[cadeschicks]

I have a hen who has started pecking and biting at me every time I'm in the yard. All 5 of our girls are just over a year old and have all been very sweet pets until recently. I first noticed the behavior with this hen after returning from a week-long vacation in April. After a few days of being back, she started to settle down again and act normal. Then I had a weekend away and the behavior started back up when I returned and hasn't stopped.

Usually when she challenges me I hold her down into a squat for a few seconds, but this only seems to deter her for the next 10 to 15 minutes. She is especially bad when I am working on the ground pulling weeds and gardening. I have always enjoyed having my girls "help" me in the garden, but she has become intolerable. Is there anything else I can do to break this behavior?

 

[realsis]

Hi there. Maybe take your finger and peck her back with it. See if that works. I have a 5 month old that bites me sometimes when I'm cleaning the pen and I'll take my finger and peck her back and then usuallyshe goes running away. In my case I think she might be challenging me too but the pecking back with my finger always sends her running. Maybe give that a try. Keep us posted and let me know how it worked for you.? Best wishes