My chicken attacked me...

[BunnyChickenMomma]

I have four Buff Orpington chickens that are 16 weeks old. Parsley is one of the biggest, and she is the first one to develop full wattles, a big comb, and a red face (I have often wondered if she might actually be a he, but I have no idea how to tell).

Despite being one of the biggest she gets bullied a lot (they are all still competing for pecking order). She's always been a sweet girl to me, and usually follows me around. Tonight, I went to go gently pet her on the back and she turned on me, jumped at me with her talons out, and bit me hard on the hand. She has never acted like this before. I raised these chickies from one day old, and have handled them almost every day. I don't usually pick them up unless I have to, but they often times will jump on my arm, lap or shoulders for pets.

I'm completely baffled by her behavior. Buff orpingtons are supposed to be so docile and sweet, and she has been up to this point. Is this normal? Is there any advice on how to stop this from happening again?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can you share pictures? Would help to know if it was a pullet or cockerel.

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

Can you share pictures? Would help to know if it was a pullet or cockerel.

I'll take one tomorrow morning to post!

 

[MarkRainbolt]

You may have scared her. And her fighting instincts kicked in.
Mark

 

[StinkyAcres]

First to develop red face, large wattles and comb, bigger size, always follows you around, sweet temperament as a chick - all of that sounds like a cockerel to me. Cockerels can turn nasty no matter how much you handle them.

 

[Saveria]

Sometimes if you handle birds a lot they will imprint on you, where they think you are their equal and not deserving of cautious respect, as they normally regard humans. That may be part of the problem as well.

 

[TenTimes]

It's a boy. If you're short, don't wear visible cowboy boots.

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

Here is my Parsley.

 

[Sussex19]

Here is my Parsley.

That is a pullet (girl)
As she comes up to laying, (and going by how red her comb is, the first egg might not be far away) all her hormones will be going into overdrive, which could be the cause for the aggression.
I would try and be more hands off with her, don't handle her except for necessary health checks, until she has matured a bit more.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Spoke too soon! Parsley is a pretty girl.