Night of the living chicken...

[red mommy]

Every morning I traipse out to the run to tend to our wee flock (3) hens. The middle bird (in the pecking order) Maggie, got right up behind to the left side of me this morning while I was crouched down and she looked like she was about to jump on my back. She has done this once before. I stood up because I was dressed for work and didn't want to have to change and she just stood there, and then pecked my leg (above the boot) ok....but then, she started acting aggressive and tried to peck me a couple more times (wouldn't let her) and then acted like she was going to flop me (didn't let that happen either) all the while not moving out of my way. It was like she was throwing a temper tantrum for not letting her roost on my back. This is the only thing I can think of because (while I haven't had her for that long) she didn't behave this way previously. Is this normal? Am I reading too much into it? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ashlierami]

Every morning I traipse out to the run to tend to our wee flock (3) hens. The middle bird (in the pecking order) Maggie, got right up behind to the left side of me this morning while I was crouched down and she looked like she was about to jump on my back. She has done this once before. I stood up because I was dressed for work and didn't want to have to change and she just stood there, and then pecked my leg (above the boot) ok....but then, she started acting aggressive and tried to peck me a couple more times (wouldn't let her) and then acted like she was going to flop me (didn't let that happen either) all the while not moving out of my way. It was like she was throwing a temper tantrum for not letting her roost on my back. This is the only thing I can think of because (while I haven't had her for that long) she didn't behave this way previously. Is this normal? Am I reading too much into it? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hmm I've had a similar issue with a rooster but that is because he is spoiled rotten. He wants to be pet every afternoon at the same time in our spot ( on the porch while I sit in my chair and enjoy a cold drink) .he pecks my legs and I pet him. If I stop and he's not had enough he continues to peck my leg every few moments to tell me he's waiting for his petting. If I ignore him he then bites and bruises me. Yes I have him spoiled this is an issue I'm fine with since he's my baby lol. You said you haven't had her long , could she be going broody? Her grumpy behavior sounds like it. Or maybe she was trying to dominate you and be over you in the "pecking order".

 

[MissChick@dee]

Chickens with a strong bond with you WILL try as best they can to TELL you something. We may not get it at first. I have Judy (my right hand garden queen) who throws a fit if something is not quite right. Take a good look around. Check things water, feed, fence coop ya know?

 

[ashlierami]

Chickens with a strong bond with you WILL try as best they can to TELL you something. We may not get it at first. I have Judy (my right hand garden queen) who throws a fit if something is not quite right. Take a good look around. Check things water, feed, fence coop ya know?

I agree with you on that! I have a close bond with each of mine. So close I call their names like they are dogs and they come running.

 

[red mommy]

I have 3 hens, no roosters and I hope not lol, is that a common thing for them to take on humans like that, should I rename her chicken-heart? she hasn't done that with hubby yet

 

[Susan Dye]

Wow, wish I could say something sage about this kind of behavior, but I don't have a clue. I'm not sure I would crouch down to her level for a while and see if her attitude changes somewhat. I'm sure there are experienced people on here who will know what the behavior might mean and what to do about it. Meanwhile, I wouldn't get too worried unless the behavior continues or escalates. Good luck.

 

[red mommy]

Chickens with a strong bond with you WILL try as best they can to TELL you something. We may not get it at first. I have Judy (my right hand garden queen) who throws a fit if something is not quite right. Take a good look around. Check things water, feed, fence coop ya know?

Good advise, I normally do check but I can always miss something. I'd rather it be a form of communication than the thought of her just trying to attack me

 

[igorsMistress]

The Boss over here thinks she can do that to me at times. I peck her back, give her firm tap with finger or flick her with a finger. When she's she's really pushy I stand up and push her back and out of my way. Maybe use a foot or a knee, your lower leg to move her along. If she pecks, get her back.

Be ready for it and do it before she jumps on you, be the man and put her in her place so to speak.

 

[50-45-1]

I had a game bantam once named Carnel Cream and when ever i went into the coop and filled there feeder she would peck at my shoes until i looked down and notice her. ( like Hey im down here! Pick me up already) She was spoiled as she was so small she was hand fed and held alot. What a sweetheart she was.
Can you tell if this is (hey im trying to get your attenation pecking) or is it more (i am mad at you) message?

 

[MissChick@dee]

I had a game bantam once named Carnel Cream and when ever i went into the coop and filled there feeder she would peck at my shoes until i looked down and notice her. ( like Hey im down here! Pick me up already) She was spoiled as she was so small she was hand fed and held alot. What a sweetheart she was.
Can you tell if this is (hey im trying to get your attenation pecking) or is it more (i am mad at you) message?

She may have a good point. You said you hadn’t had this little hen for long. Did you get any information from the previous owner. I know my girls would probably be misunderstood if I gave them away (that would NEVER happen). Stay firm with her after awhile it just might work out.