Pecking legs

[Cierrascoop]

Does anyone else have issues with your chickens pecking your legs on the way to feed them?? I just have one hen who every morning runs up and has to get right behind me to pick my ankles/legs. She's a fiesty girl. It doesn't really hurt as much as surprises me , though I'm not sure why after so many times! Lol. I am just curious on why she'd do it. I know they don't have hands so they usually peck things being curious. But it's every day. And I have no tattoos there, birth marks, moles etc in the areas. Is it a dominance thing??

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not like it. I would shoo her off.

I am wondering if all your chickens rather mob you, because you are bringing feed? If so, that excitement I think can lead to pecking.

Years ago another respected poster on here suggested to stop that by waiting to feed them when you go down. Check for eggs first, then inspect the coop, and other chores, check the water, only putting out the feed when they have gone back to their own thing.

If I am in a hurry - I will throw out a handful - widely scattered and away from me. But generally, I potter around a bit, before I feed. And after a few times, they still come to me, but not quite so close, and loose interest quicker and are just much calmer.

Mrs K