One of my hens is pecking at us

[AshleyRae]

We have just three hens. I love them a lot because they are funny and they give me eggs. My Barred Rock has been acting aggressively toward us lately. She pecks me when I feed them in the morning and when my DH or our son collects eggs in the evening. Whenever anybody gets close, she pecks, and if we aren't close she comes near to peck.
I don't want to get rid of her but since I want my son to be involved in their care, I really need to find a way to stop this behavior.

 

[katekearby]

One of my EEs does this, pecks at my pantleg, Do you hand feed them, She seems to be begging for treats when she does it?

 

[andreanar]

I have 2 cuckoo Marans that have started pecking at me from behind. I think they are getting ready to lay eggs and hope it's just hormonal and will stop after eggs start coming.

 

[aart]

She's probably assumed the role of 'rooster' or 'head and protector of flock'.
You can stop this behavior by not allowing it....all people involved need to be the 'alpha' chickens.

When she goes to peck you, 'peck' her back by using the end of your finger on top of her head or beak or in her face.
If shes being more aggressive, grab her and hold her down on the ground until she stops struggling, then let her go...repeat as necessary until she stops pecking you.
Don't run away or feel fear, that's what a submissive chicken would do...take charge and don't put up with any guff!.

How old are these chickens and how long have you had them?

 

[AshleyRae]

I got them in March as chicks. I'm not afraid of her but it's very irritating. I will try "pecking" her back or holding her down.


I don't hand feed them but I do throw grain (the stuff I feed my goat) when I want them to go in the coop, and all three are very greedy for it. The other two are well behaved, and I haven't noticed her pecking at them, only at people.