Hen is Frisky and Agressive?

[NorthEndFarmer]

Our oldest hen is 15 weeks old and this week she started to be frisky with me by dancing and dropping her wings. She has also become very aggressive towards me by biting my hands and even ran up to attack me this morning. We raised her from an egg and she is usually very nice.

Isn't she young to be ready to lay? And do hens become aggressive when they are closer to laying their first eggs?

- North End Farmer

 

[CheshieChick13]

Are you sure it's not a Rooster?

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
Yeah, that sounds like rooster behavior. I'm pretty sure that's not a hen - I'm sorry. Hens don't get more aggressive when they start laying. I actually find the opposite to be true - they tend to calm down instead. Can you post a picture to be sure?

 

[NorthEndFarmer]

Oh don't say that...

I already have 4 roosters that I need to find a new home for.

Actually, her comb and waddle are very red and the skin under her neck is becoming full and red. Maybe she is a he but she's been very mild tempered.

I will keep you posted.

- North End Farmer

 

[Dora'smom]

The dancing, etc. sound very much like rooster behavior, I'm afraid.

 

[ranchhand]

Yep, sounds like a late blooming rooster. On a good note, I rehomed 4 roosters last weekend by listing them on the local Craig's List.

 

[pkw]

I have a few cockerels that has done the same thing to me. They aren't aggressive towards me anymore. The older cockerels I broke them by picking them up and carrying them around and since they hate being carried around, they stopped because I told them if they don't like it then quit attacking me.

Now with the younger cockerels, I had to resort to giving them a swift kick and now they don't get the least bit aggressive. That could change as they get older though but if they do, then they will be butchered and placed in the freezer. No way is an aggressive chicken going to stay around here.

I firnly believe that my chickens understand me in what I say

 

[NorthEndFarmer]

Okay Okay... Over the past few days it's become obvious that she's a he. He's actually the oldest of the bunch and the latest to blossom. So, now we are stuck with 5 roosters and 2 hens. What are the odds of that occurring from hatching our own? Maybe I got a bad batch of eggs.

Now, I have to rehome them and hate the thought of them becoming someones dinner. I guess it's inevitable.

- North End Farmer

 

[Chickenfarmer 1-2-b]

I am with you there. I hatched 12 chicks total. Six chicks 18 wks ago, then another 6 one month later. I have 11 out of 12 are roosters. What is the odd of that? Everytime I turn around one of the she turns into a he and crows. They were killing me. That one hen left better not starting to crow or else I swear I will need to see a shrink.