How to deal with an aggressive chicken?

[Red Barn Farms]

I have some 3 week old chicks and the little cockerel wants to actually bite my fingers whenever I have to put my hand in the brooder to add food, change the water, etc. He will bite me every time I do this! It doesn't hurt now due to him being so small but will this finally stop? I can't imagine him being a full grown rooster and still doing this. I just could not allow that!

What can I do to make him understand I am higher on the pecking than he is? They are all booted Black Copper Marans.

















That's the mean thug on the right with the big comb!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I would grab him, place one or more hands over his back so he is forced to sit (but be careful not to injure him), and hold him in place for a few seconds EVERY time he does this. This is most humiliating for him.

You are now the top chicken.

 

[Stumpy]

He's a cute little thug

.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

He's a cute little thug

.

 

[janinepeters]

I have had quite a few chicks behave like this, some females, too. I never thought much of it, but I hand feed them a lot, and with that, they seem to stop as they grow up and tame up, get used to eating from my hand, and realize I am not a threat.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Thanks for all your replies! I'll sure give that idea a try ChickensAreSweet. janinepeters I'll also try the hand feeding thing but hope I have all fingers remaining when finished!

I might try making a video of this sometime. He really gets busy and looks like he'd just love to draw blood!

Another thing funny is when I change their water. I'm just using a small bowl as long as they are still in the brooder. He will step in his own poop then walk over and stand in the bowl of fresh clean water. What about that?

At least he has clean feet but gheeesh! Don't even ask how many times a day I change that water.

He is a little cutie pie

and I guess I've been very lucky because He is the only chicken I've ever raised who wants to bite like that.

 

[janinepeters]

Quote: Oh, gosh, yes they constantly dirty the water. Mine aren't as subtle as yours: they just turn their butts over it let loose. And they figure out a way to get their poop into it, no matter what I do to baffle them. I'm so glad I have no more chicks in the brooder for the year!!!!!

 

[DelDels]

I have started using water bottles when brooding chicks. They learn how to use it right away. Just leave the bowl in till you see that everyone is using the bottle. Problem solved. No more dirty water and less work for you.