MEAN FOREVER? Why Are They Acting This Way?

[becky3086]

Well, when my chicks peck at me, I grab them and hold them down for several seconds so that they will know I am higher in the pecking order.

 

[19hhbelgian]

Do they get to go outside during the day? My girls mob me at the door, but only because they want to go outside, or go back outside when I put them in for the night. I have a polish girl who will peck at anything she sees, whether it be me, my shoes, my wedding ring... You get the point

They also surround me outside. I give them "goodies" on a daily basis, so they are simply looking for something to munch on. Hope that might help you figure out your girls' behavior!

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
NEVER thought I'd say this,

, but I agree with Davaroo!

We all start out thinking that our chickens are going to be sweet and affectionate pets, like a dog or cat. But they really aren't. Chickens have pretty much one motivation in life, and that is food.

You may occasionally find one who does get very affectionate, but it's not all that common. Mine come running when I go out- because they want to know what treats I'm carrying.

BO's are a relatively friendly breed- but still not an adoring pet like a dog.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Their other motivation is to not be food themselves.

 

[suebee]

ksct, maybe they are scared of being in the coop. A night light might help.

 

[feather leg farms]

Quote:
My pullets do the same! LOL!

 

[suebee]

Quote:
Yes, she may be new at this....just like you or me once were. Try not to be so condescending.

condescending; adjective
Definition:
snobby: behaving toward other people in a way that shows you consider yourself socially or intellectually superior to them


A wise one once said: "The only stupid question is the one not asked."

 

[raspeary]

Quote:
My BO's are 10 weeks old and mine never did that. They still don't do that. In fact, mine were the opposite. I had a buff girl get injured and i must say she is my favorite. She loves roosting on my arm and being handled. Not necessarily the picking up part of it bu. t she likes the attention. My other buffs are friendly. My three new ones i just got yesterday are not as tame because they are not used to people attention cause their previous owner didn't handle them or anything.

Good luck hope things get better for you.

 

[Drafthorsegal]

I wouldn't worry! BO's are great. I have a pack of teenage RIRs that CHARGE flapping and squacking (ever see kids dive out onto the recess yard during a break? Strangely reminiscent!) at the door when they think they are going to be let out. It's terrifying to the potential newbie.. and if you have treats they will peck only because they want to be the first to get treats and not miss out! In their excitement its hard to distingish fingers, toes, odd paint splats on your shoes from actual food!

Humans are exciting visitors! Chicken mob mentality rules... no matter what the age.

 

[robbdebbie]

I noticed my 1.5 week old bo are much nicer and don't run away as much once I introduced treats. They do peck a bit more, but they just think I am food. Now I have some red frizzled cochin bantams that are 5 days old, and they are out right mean to the other chicks. I have caught them pulling the chicks around by the legs repeatedly. I sure hope they grow out of that.