Normal chicken behavior?

[newbie32]

Is it normal for my chickens to scrap their beaks on things? It is a side to side motion. Also, is it normal for them to fluff their feathers up a lot:? I started getting nervous of mites but I haven't found any on them. Is it normal for them to run really fast across the run for no apparent reason? Can a pullet be aggressive just like a Rooster even when there is a rooster already in the flock?

Any other behaviors I need to know about that are weird?

 

[Veer67]

Nope, all those behaviors are normal for chickens. Chickens scrape their beaks from side to side to clean off food or other things sticking there, I also see them scraping their beaks when they see something disgusting (like their poop). They fluff up their feathers to set their feathers back in place it happens a lot when I set them down (usually from petting), after that my chickens will do a quick preening. Dominant hens can be pretty mean, once in a while you might get a big bully in the flock even if there is a rooster.

 

[newbie32]

Nope, all those behaviors are normal for chickens. Chickens scrape their beaks from side to side to clean off food or other things sticking there, I also see them scraping their beaks when they see something disgusting (like their poop). They fluff up their feathers to set their feathers back in place it happens a lot when I set them down (usually from petting), after that my chickens will do a quick preening. Dominant hens can be pretty mean, once in a while you might get a big bully in the flock even if there is a rooster.

Okay well that makes me feel better! Except my mean one. Should I leave it alone or should I get rid of it? Is there a way to change its behavior?

 

[Veer67]

Okay well that makes me feel better! Except my mean one. Should I leave it alone or should I get rid of it? Is there a way to change its behavior?

I've never had an especially mean hen before so I won't be able to help you much. Here are some links that could help though:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/625742/mean-chicken

How mean is she?

 

[newbie32]

I've never had an especially mean hen before so I won't be able to help you much. Here are some links that could help though:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/625742/mean-chicken

How mean is she?

Well she chases my baby silkies around and I have seen her peck. Yesturday she flew up on the fencing twice-I was on the other end sitting down and watching them. She is first to come for treats always and she likes to jump on the roost as high as she can when I am outside. I thought she was a he but I posted pictures in another thread and was told it is a female by one person that responded

 

[micah O]

Nope, all those behaviors are normal for chickens. Chickens scrape their beaks from side to side to clean off food or other things sticking there, I also see them scraping their beaks when they see something disgusting (like their poop). They fluff up their feathers to set their feathers back in place it happens a lot when I set them down (usually from petting), after that my chickens will do a quick preening. Dominant hens can be pretty mean, once in a while you might get a big bully in the flock even if there is a rooster.

Yep.

 

[thechickenguy11]

there isn't a way to change its behavior, at least not that I know of. they mean one is just at the top of the pecking order and she is just showing that to the others that get in her way of eating, etc. don't worry, they won't usually truly hurt them I have a chicken named buttercup who does the same thing.

 

[thechickenguy11]

Well she chases my baby silkies around and I have seen her peck. Yesturday she flew up on the fencing twice-I was on the other end sitting down and watching them. She is first to come for treats always and she likes to jump on the roost as high as she can when I am outside. I thought she was a he but I posted pictures in another thread and was told it is a female by one person that responded

there isn't a way to change its behavior, at least not that I know of. they mean one is just at the top of the pecking order and she is just showing that to the others that get in her way of eating, etc. don't worry, they won't usually truly hurt them. I have a chicken named buttercup who does the same thing.

 

[newbie32]

there isn't a way to change its behavior, at least not that I know of. they mean one is just at the top of the pecking order and she is just showing that to the others that get in her way of eating, etc. don't worry, they won't usually truly hurt them. I have a chicken named buttercup who does the same thing.

yes thank you for commenting, I figured that out a few weeks ago and she pretty much leaves them alone unless they get close to her when she is interested in something-like food LOL

 

[thechickenguy11]

anytime.