Ornery orpington

[JAT_2025]

My question…I have 3 buff orpingtons and they are all approaching two years old, one gen is my problem child.
This one gen seems to be the one in charge, she is ornery and has gone bloody most of the last years laying season (at least 3x). This winter she developed a stripe like in gremlins…feathers standing on the back of her neck like a mane. If I pick her up I will get “gently” pecked on the arm until she is put down. I saw her dart a few times around her run. I have a large space fenced off so they have room to run. I let them free range occasionally but they roam the neighborhood so I limit that.
Is there anything I can do to calm this one chicken down? Is it hormonal? She even went after me when she was broody pence, but I put an end to that. Orps are supposed to be sweet, did I get a lemon

 

[FowlProtector]

Hormonal fluctuations may have an impact on Gen's behavior, particularly during the laying and broody seasons. Although most buff orpingtons taste sweet, some can be more forceful or commanding. Try giving her additional room and enrichment, such as treat puzzles or opportunities for foraging, to help her relax. This could lessen conduct brought on by boredom. To prevent making her defensive, handle her carefully and gently. Verify whether she is feeling uncomfortable due to a medical condition or the cold. She may be expressing dominance if she is mostly hostile toward you, which is common in hens who feel in control. Keep an eye on her conduct throughout the seasons to determine whether it's a result of hormones or simply a feature of her personality. Are the other hens friendly with her?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Orps are supposed to be sweet, did I get a lemon

That's one of the great myths on this forum, that breed is supposed to determine individual personality. It is sincerely believed by many. If you have a large enough group of one breed you may see a general tendency but any one individual can be a long way away from the norm.

One breed tendency is that some breeds go broody a lot more than others. That's due to the breeders breeding them to go broody or not. You can still get a broody hen out of a breed that is known for not going broody but that is really rare. Not every hen from a breed that is known to go broody a lot will, but they are still a good bet if you want a broody hen.

The hormones in control of a broody hen are supposed to make her protective. Some of my broody hens are more protective than others. I don't know the specifics of what happened when she went after you but I don't find that unusual for a broody. Many of my broody hens aren't that aggressive but some certainly peck hard if I put my hand in their nest. A few attack if I pick up or threaten one of their chicks. I consider those good broody hens, willing to protect their nest and chicks.

You will have to determine if you can accept her behaviors regardless of breed. I try to settle for peace in the flock. That means how they interact with other chickens and how they interact with me and other humans. I've removed males and females because of that. Not because of breed but because of their actions.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am just not a believer in being able to change a hen's disposition or behavior. You don't have to keep her. Always solve for peace in the flock, and happiness of the keeper.

She might do very well in someone else's flock.

Mrs K