How to teach babies not to peck people???

[joletabey]

The last couple of days my little darlings have taken to pecking my arm when I take out their feeders, etc. If I wear a sweatshirt, they grab on to the sweatshirt. They aren't being "attack chickens", they just know that arm is associated with food. I like that they are friendly, but I don't want them to peck people. . . . .they are only three weeks old- what can I do when they swarm me and peck without seriously hurting one? Or do I start wearing metal sleeves???

 

[Happy Chooks]

When my 9 month old chickens were little, I had a couple that would do that. I just took my finger and gave them a tap on top of the head. (like a peck from another chicken) Not sure if it worked or if they grew out of it.

 

[Tala]

They eventually seem to grow out of it. or mine did.

I recommend those polar fleese type sweatshirts. I used to wear one when I had to move my rooster at night, and he would peck me until he got used to being picked up. Couldn't hardly feel it through that fluffy stuff.

 

[teach1rusl]

As others have said, whether it's helped or whether they've grown out of it...who knows??? I would take my and and push the offending beak/face away, and kind of like New2chooks, I would take my finger and "peck" at their beak or head. They still do it occasionally, depending on the type of clothes I wear for some reason, but not nearly as much as when they were really little. Sometimes I think that, since they don't have hands, they "explore" with their mouths/beaks???

 

[joletabey]

That makes sense - if I am going to be the alpha chick around here, I suppose I would "peck" them back - like mama hen. And the polar fleece is a good idea, too, I am tired of little red marks on my arms!
Thanks!

 

[PaintedGemsRanch]

I swoop them up face them towards me and politly tell them "You dont bite momma"

ahhaha Then I hold them til im done for their punishment and my pleasure!!!! lol but yes... the "peck on the head" idea is good!!

 

[SilkieTime]

I don't think pecking on the top of the head for a silkie is a good thing. Others, not a problem.