Hens turned bad :(

[jhoffLVT]

I have 6 RSL hens, 19wks old... I've had them all since they were a day old. However, even as chicks they were always standoff-ish and never wanted to be held or anything of the like, no matter how much bribery was done. They are free ranged every day on a 1/4 acre, within my backyard (8ft privacy fence).

 

[jhoffLVT]

Gah! It posted before I was done... Anyway.

Have I given them too much of MY space? As I cannot even go out into my backyard without them literally attacking me! They also have become incredibly vocal (more so than any chickens I've ever had). They are not laying yet, I need to make some modifications to their coop that I realized after it was built (husbands plans). Their coop is in a 12x12 corner of the yard that is surrounded by a chain link kennel... Do I just need to give them a few weeks in THEIR space? I'm at a loss. I can't have bad hens

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They have told you that you are lower in the pecking order than they are. I have dealt with this before in RSL hens. They can be a bit pecky if they think you aren't the top hen. Basically they are a very friendly breed to humans, but they are a bit bullyish with weakness (they used to bully my Easter Eggers). They have that Rhode Island Red blood in them LOL.

Here is how to show them you are the top hen (so they won't peck you):
Every time one of them comes up to you grab her and hold her down on the ground with your hands. Basically make her lie on the ground for a few seconds. Then let go. You have just shown her that you are higher in the pecking order. You won't have to do this permanently- just do it for awhile until you have peace in your yard.

If a hen comes up to you aggressively, looking like she will peck you, grab her and hold her down for a few seconds and they will stop.

I had one RSL bite me so badly that I got a bruise from it, but all it took was this treatment for a few days and I never again had to do it.

With roosters, I have not found them to be trainable like this- only the hens.

Remember, a hen will NEVER allow another hen to peck her or chase her without pecking her back or even mounting her just like a rooster would to show that she is the top hen, unless she is lower in the pecking order. You must assert your dominance with these hens.

Some chicken breeds are very docile and sweet, and others a bit pecky like this. I have found Welsummers to be this same way, but not as much, for example. Just train your hens to respect you and you should be able to enjoy your chickens' company again.

 

[jhoffLVT]

Thank you! I just hope I'm fast enough to grab them... When I was researching breeds RSL seemed the way to go, so I thought. Little did I know they were going to turn into little a-holes.

I wish I would have gone for a different breed.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you! I just hope I'm fast enough to grab them... When I was researching breeds RSL seemed the way to go, so I thought. Little did I know they were going to turn into little a-holes.

I wish I would have gone for a different breed.

The RSL are excellent layers and are a friendly, inquisitive breed. Really it is a good choice. You will teach them successfully! They are laying machines LOL.

You are welcome- I hope it all works out for you!