I may have created a monster!!

[BGcoop]

Meet Rock. She is one of the lowest in the pecking order of my flock, however that has not stopped her from figuring out a way to get more food. When I bring my birds treats there is a small bench that I sit on to hand feed them. In the last couple weeks she has figured out that if she hops up to sit next to me she has less competition from her friends. This week however she has taken to pecking my arm when she is ready for her next bite!

 

[BGcoop]

And these are the looks I get when they think I didn’t bring enough. Does anyone else get the feeling that their birds are plotting against them?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

My little Lucy EE does the same. When I spend time with my flock she will jump on my shoulder or lap...which I enjoy. When she bites me I immediately tap her beak and scare her off me. You just have to let her know who is top chicken in YOUR pecking order. She will learn in time. In the meantime, throw her treats on the ground for her to forage and not from your hand. Good luck!!!

 

[drumstick diva]

yes, throw the treats on the ground, or else count your fingers after they snatch them from your hand

 

[BGcoop]

yes, throw the treats on the ground, or else count your fingers after they snatch them from your hand

Lol! She is not pecking hard, just sort of tapping my arm to tell me she is ready for the next bite and so I don’t forget she’s there. She does this because she is low on the pecking order and if the treats are on the ground everyone else gets to them first. So far everyone has been very good about not getting my fingers too much, my Rhode Island reds have a pretty good vertical though and will jump up to snatch treats off the plate/bowl I brought it in if they feel i’m Taking too long passing them out.

 

[Stacyoung13]

Lol! She is not pecking hard, just sort of tapping my arm to tell me she is ready for the next bite and so I don’t forget she’s there. She does this because she is low on the pecking order and if the treats are on the ground everyone else gets to them first. So far everyone has been very good about not getting my fingers too much, my Rhode Island reds have a pretty good vertical though and will jump up to snatch treats off the plate/bowl I brought it in if they feel i’m Taking too long passing them out.

My production reds do the same thing. I have suet holders in the run to put bread in, (make them work for it), the reds will jump up and grab the bread when I'm trying to fill them