jealous orpington

[bantybabylover]

i have a buff orpington who is more a pet than any of the others. i walk into the yard, sit down and she comes running, wings out like she is about to attack. she jumps in my lap, settles in and closes her eyes. it is so sweet, but if any other chicken comes near, not only does she nestle closer, but she will peck at them. the other day i had a black orpington i have been working on to be more hand friendly, i pulled her close and she squawked and flapped, the buff took it upon herself to just go after her, she jumped off my lap and flared up her neck feathers and went nuts!! being the smallest of my orpingtons i was pretty shocked at how defensive and a good fighter she was, i had to pulled her back to keep her from hurting the other girl. naturally the other chickens all walked away, wouldnt anyone? i still go out to sit with my girls and give out treats, she comes running and sits vigil on my lap and if any get too close she pecks them on the head. i love her to pieces, she coos and sings to me. but i have never heard of a chicken being so attached, or that territorial over the well, "chicken herder". anyone else experience this? if i dont pick her up first, she actually sulks and sits in a corner and i swear it sounds like crying. the weirdest thing i have ever seen

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Do you want the behavior to stop? If so, simply take her power away - meaning that when she "claims" your lap, you move her off; if you want to spend time with another bird, you move the first one off and put the new bird in your lap; if she gets nasty, she gets put down; when you go out, let her sulk about not being first.
Otherwise, continue allowing her antics and accept that your efforts to build the better relationship with the rest of your flock will continue to be stymied by the bully.

 

[bantybabylover]

i think she may need some attitude adjustment. i was putting another girl on my lap with her, making her accept the idea she isnt the only chicken in the flock. if she starts to peck at the other i put my hand between them, but i guess i may need to just "take her power away". but dont you think her behavior odd. i didnt think chickens had such a link

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

i think she may need some attitude adjustment. i was putting another girl on my lap with her, making her accept the idea she isnt the only chicken in the flock. if she starts to peck at the other i put my hand between them, but i guess i may need to just "take her power away". but dont you think her behavior odd. i didnt think chickens had such a link

It's really not all that odd - she is asserting herself as the dominant hen in the flock - but she is asserting dominance not only over the other hens, but also over you with this behavior.

 

[bantybabylover]

interesting, i thought she was being territorial. so do i push her aside, i do so like her.