Mean hen

[Mommacluckcluck]

Why cook the bird if your the one making the mistake? Not to be rude, tell your daughter to not hold her, problem solved. Chickens will be completely fine if you dont hold them. And will eventually learn your the food person, and not bother you.

To clarify, this hen is new to our flock and had been with us for less than 24 hours. The first time it bit us, we were moving it into the coop after we got it. The second time it escaped the coop so we were catching it before dark. Many chickens are completely fine being held. In fact, the ones we raised are friendly and like attention. This new one clearly has issues. It’s unsafe for us to have mean chickens in our flock. My kids safety isn’t worth the risk of us getting injured. We are not the ones making the mistake. Your judgement is misplaced. Chickens sometimes have to be held (medical interventions, safety etc).

 

[LaFleche]

To clarify, this hen is new to our flock and had been with us for less than 24 hours. The first time it bit us, we were moving it into the coop after we got it. The second time it escaped the coop so we were catching it before dark. Many chickens are completely fine being held. In fact, the ones we raised are friendly and like attention. This new one clearly has issues. It’s unsafe for us to have mean chickens in our flock. My kids safety isn’t worth the risk of us getting injured. We are not the ones making the mistake. Your judgement is misplaced. Chickens sometimes have to be held (medical interventions, safety etc).

The behaviour might stem from the fact that the new birds may not be used to being grabbed and handled. So they try to defend themselves as best they can by biting the 'predator' that finally grabs and holds them after a chase.

Which is just their natural survival instinct as they have not yet had the time to get accustomed to the new situation and new owner.

If you really can't get over it, rehome them.

Although the pecked and bruised lips hurt, try to understand that it is not their fault that they obviously were raised very differently, not like your original flock.

I hope your daughter will heal soon and not take it personally.


ETA: If you choose to give them a chance and keep them, pick them up from the roost at night for any maintenance handling and swaddle them in a towel to reduce/prevent flailing, scratching and biting.

It will take some time to earn their trust. And for safety reasons your smaller children might rather limit themselves to handling your original birds.

 

[Themellowyellows]

To clarify, this hen is new to our flock and had been with us for less than 24 hours. The first time it bit us, we were moving it into the coop after we got it. The second time it escaped the coop so we were catching it before dark. Many chickens are completely fine being held. In fact, the ones we raised are friendly and like attention. This new one clearly has issues. It’s unsafe for us to have mean chickens in our flock. My kids safety isn’t worth the risk of us getting injured. We are not the ones making the mistake. Your judgement is misplaced. Chickens sometimes have to be held (medical interventions, safely...)

I understand. Most of my hens come up to me to be cuddled. But a few hate it and will scratch me. I have learned not to get close to them. Just feed them and treat them until they realize I wont hurt them. I once had a hen that would freak out and peck and all, I learned not to go near her and our problem was solved.

I know chickens have to be held, take her off the roost at night, and wrap her in a towel. Chances are she will fall asleep, and not care. Understand that if she came from a diffrent place, maybe the picked her up harsh, chased after her, or maybe she was attacked by a animal and now is scared to be anywhere near anyone but her flock. Its not a chickens fault.


If you really dont want to keep her, dont. Throw her in the pot, or rehome her, just make sure you tell about the pecking.

 

[Mrs. K]

It could have been her eye - send that bird down the road.