Newly aggressive Orpington hen... but only to humans

[KellysChicks]

Hi, y’all! Somewhat of a novice in this area and need some expert help. I have a flock of 8 hens, one of which is a lavender Orpington born 8/10/18. We call her Venus. I’ve noticed in the last couple of weeks, she has become increasingly aggressive toward me when I’m in the yard, charging me and now pecking me too. She’s always trying to head me off when I’m walking about the yard. When I go to shoo her, she charges me and tries to go for my face. I’m certain she is not a Roo as we had her littermate (is that a chicken thing?) who turned out to be our first Roo and she looks nothing like he did - no saddle feathers, etc. She is. Or domineering with any of the other hens, only me. Actually, she submits to the more dominant hens beautifully. I don’t know if this helps explain the change in behavior or not but within the last couple of weeks most of my girls have started laying, and I am pretty certain she hasn’t. I never approach the hens when they are laying, if that helps too.

Thoughts? I so appreciate your help! I can’t keep a meanie in the flock. We have little people that will eventually be around the girls and I would like to nip this in the bud, if it is t already too late.

Thank you!!
Kelly and Venus

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some hens can get moody and domineering when they are approaching the point of lay. Personally I would stand pinning her down in a dominant manner every time she came at me or even near enough to grab. Most calm after a month or two. She's a hormonal teenager currently.

 

[adickenscoop]

It is possible she could be hurting or sick. Animals often act out or have changes in behavior when something is wrong.

 

[KellysChicks]

It is possible she could be hurting or sick. Animals often act out or have changes in behavior when something is wrong.

Great thought! I will watch her more carefully for the next little bit, but what I’ve observed, she seems fine. Social, foraging, running with the flock, eating ok...

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I had a cranky hen that would charge after me whenever I entered the run. I would chase her closely yelling, “I am the rooster! I am the rooster!” (Thank goodness my neighbors can’t see me! Lol. ) It worked! Before long, she discoveredd who was the boss!

 

[KellysChicks]

Some hens can get moody and domineering when they are approaching the point of lay. Personally I would stand pinning her down in a dominant manner every time she came at me or even near enough to grab. Most calm after a month or two. She's a hormonal teenager currently.

When you say stand and pin her down do you mean bend at the waist as opposed to squatting and dropping more to her level?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

When you say stand and pin her down do you mean bend at the waist as opposed to squatting and dropping more to her level?

However is most comfortable to you. Gently hold her down with both hands without hurting her. Similar to a squat that she would do for a rooster. Definitely don't be rough, but be firm. If she struggles hold her until she stops. Keep her away from your eyes and face just in case she wants to peck at you

 

[KellysChicks]

However is most comfortable to you. Gently hold her down with both hands without hurting her. Similar to a squat that she would do for a rooster. Definitely don't be rough, but be firm. If she struggles hold her until she stops. Keep her away from your eyes and face just in case she wants to peck at you

Will absolutely get to this! Thank you!

 

[KellysChicks]

I had a cranky hen that would charge after me whenever I entered the run. I would chase her closely yelling, “I am the rooster! I am the rooster!” (Thank goodness my neighbors can’t see me! Lol. ) It worked! Before long, she discoveredd who was the boss!

I will give this a go too! Couldn’t hurt!! Lol

 

[aart]

Has she laid yet?
Got a pic?