How do I teach a hen manners?

[Lucy4]

I have four hens. Three are very sweet, but one (an Ameraucana) is a witch. Every time I go into the coop she pecks at me -- savagely. I've been picking her up and holding her (which she dislikes) as soon as she does it... simply because I read on here that can help with roosters' bad behavior. But it's been weeks now with no change. What else can I do?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mahonri]

I wouldn't hurt her but she might need a tiny kick!

 

[Chicken Ninja]

Is she the dominant chicken? If so she may be trying to assert her dominance over you

Try a different approach. Maybe some tough love is in order here.

 

[Big Red's Mom]

I have one like that and when she pecks me I give she a firm pop on the head or back. She avoids me now.

 

[LynneP]

And never feed by hand...and wear sturdy gloves so that she doesn't not see you draw back from a peck. She needs to understand that striking you is meaningless and eventually she will stop.

 

[Judy]

You can also try a tap on the beak, as you would tap a dog on the nose for undesirable behavior. Doesn't have to be painful. Or a blast with the garden hose.

Recently read on here of a suggestion to stop them from pecking one another: make a tiny loop out of duct tape, sticky side out, and put it on top of her beak to block her straight-ahead vision. And there are always peepers.

 

[joey7319]

Is she broody? We have one hen that will peck or bite, but she is broody and left alone for the most part, except for trying to get a look at her eggs every now and then. ours will only attack when you reach in her nesting box.

 

[Lucy4]

All right, thanks for the suggestions, guys. I guess I have to toughen up with her. Good suggestion about the gloves too.

No, she's only 15 weeks old. I don't think she could be broody.

Thanks again!