My chicken attacked me...

[Goldenwahintofboss]

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?

Sounds like a roo.i got bit by my now eaten roo who tried to kill my silkie x roo baby. It happens when they are hormonal and territorial.maybe I'm.wrong tho. Just my case it was.

 

[Goldenwahintofboss]

I'm new at this, too! I'm glad to hear it is working for your roos. I've been doing the 'peckpeckpeck' thing and picking her up and holding her until she is calm. I'm going to keep trying and try to pin her next time she takes a swipe at me. Thanks.

Great advice.i do that w mine the voice and singing. They love it. They won't let me near them to pet them tho. I wish they would.