Head of Lettuce

In the Brooder
May 1, 2025
12
33
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I have a 5 month old Orpington chicken who has suddenly changed several behaviors. For context Trisha (Trisha Paytas is her name) has always been my sweetest chick. She has always been very smart loves people. I raised her well, giving her treats everyday, picking her up, singing with her. Everyday she walks around the garden with me. She lives with 8 other hens and has a large coop along with an outside area me and my husband have put a lot of love into for them. For the past week now she has been crowing very loud in the morning. Not only that but she has also become meaner every day. She used to run up to me so I could pick her up and feed her tomatoes but she wont even let me pet her anymore. Yesterday she pecked me so hard I started bleeding. Nothing has changed within her environment. The only thing I can think is that she might be a rooster. She has a fully developed red comb and wattles along with long pointed feathers around her neck. Here is a picture of her from about 2 moths ago- I will post a recent picture of her when I get home

Please send me any advice or opinions.
I miss my sweet girl and will do whatever is best for her
 

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Yes, a cockerel, needs a new name! 'Trickster'? 'Tricky Dicky'? 'Tank'?
Sorry, couldn't resist...
And he's not a sweet pullet, he's developing into the rooster he wants to become, not the bird you planned to have.
Read up on rooster behaviors ASAP! This is a learning experience for you, however he turns out. Many cockerels who were 'sweet' and 'friendly' are actually bold, and can turn into human aggressive and dangerous adults. @Mrs. K and several other 'old timers' have good advice here.
Our first rooster was an attack bird, and we learned!
Mary
 

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