Pecking my hand

[city_girl_farming]

I have 6 chicks in a brooder 5 weeks old. 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 black sexlinks and 2 blue sexlinks. Ever since I got them at a week old one of the RIR's has been pecking at my hand every time me or my husband try to grab her. How do I address this? I know RIR's can be assertive but damn lol

We don't really pick them up or hold them much other than to take them out and put them back in. The rest of them kind of just run from my hand but don't peck me. One Blue sexlink is super sweet and actually wants to be picked up. During the day I let them outside in a small enclosed run so they are getting enrichment.

What's the best way to raise tame hens? We want them to be comfortable with us because we want to be able to pick them up to check them for mites and stuff and handle them when they need care for illnesses etc.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[FunClucks]

Treats can help. But for birds that peck you without provocation like that, I just rehome them. I don't need the human aggression, and it usually gets worse as they get older. My management style and their personalities are just not a good fit. They would probably do great free ranging all the time, only being picked up off the roost at night. Especially if they're so aggressive as chicks - that's pretty significant.

In the meantime, try pecking her back. Your hand/finger can be a beak. If she decides you are above her in the pecking order, she may quit. I have only had mixed success with this approach though.

 

[nuthatched]

Make your Hand like this and peck her back, hard.
They'll calm down once they get closer to lay.

 

[city_girl_farming]

Make your Hand like this and peck her back, hard.
They'll calm down once they get closer to lay.

lol! Thanks I will

 

[city_girl_farming]

Make your Hand like this and peck her back, hard.
They'll calm down once they get closer to lay.

Treats can help. But for birds that peck you without provocation like that, I just rehome them. I don't need the human aggression, and it usually gets worse as they get older. My management style and their personalities are just not a good fit. They would probably do great free ranging all the time, only being picked up off the roost at night. Especially if they're so aggressive as chicks - that's pretty significant.

In the meantime, try pecking her back. Your hand/finger can be a beak. If she decides you are above her in the pecking order, she may quit. I have only had mixed success with this approach though.

Totally agree. No one has time for that lol She’s gonna have to go if she keeps it up!

 

[jess_1]

I have 6 chicks in a brooder 5 weeks old. 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 black sexlinks and 2 blue sexlinks. Ever since I got them at a week old one of the RIR's has been pecking at my hand every time me or my husband try to grab her. How do I address this? I know RIR's can be assertive but damn lol

We don't really pick them up or hold them much other than to take them out and put them back in. The rest of them kind of just run from my hand but don't peck me. One Blue sexlink is super sweet and actually wants to be picked up. During the day I let them outside in a small enclosed run so they are getting enrichment.

What's the best way to raise tame hens? We want them to be comfortable with us because we want to be able to pick them up to check them for mites and stuff and handle them when they need care for illnesses etc.

Thanks a bunch!

Try hand-feeding treats to the pecky RIR to build trust. Approach slowly and scoop her up gently from underneath. Spend calm time near them without grabbing, so she feels safe. Patience and gentle handling will help her become more comfortable with you

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Make your Hand like this and peck her back, hard.
They'll calm down once they get closer to lay.

Then say, “capiche!?” and threaten to give her a pair of cement boots. Works every time.

Just kidding. This is good advice but if it doesn’t work don’t feel bad rehoming her. Or him. Don’t waste too much time or energy on a naughty chicken. A peaceful flock is a happy flock.

 

[city_girl_farming]

Then say, “capiche!?” and threaten to give her a pair of cement boots. Works every time.

Just kidding. This is good advice but if it doesn’t work don’t feel bad rehoming her. Or him. Don’t waste too much time or energy on a naughty chicken. A peaceful flock is a happy flock.

Lmaoooo thank you!

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

I will say, chicks do grow out of the curious pecking stage. Mine are twelve weeks or so, and whenever I walk in there, I’m surrounded by little beaks. But all the chicks I’ve had have been like that, and they do stop eventually. I’m just talking about curious pecking though. If it’s aggressive that’s a little different. One of mine pecks me when I pick her up, but settles down quick. I just chalk it up to her being sassy. I’d give yours a bit more of a chance before writing her off as aggressive

 

[FunClucks]

Totally agree. No one has time for that lol She’s gonna have to go if she keeps it up!

I had a male faverolles chick that was extremely aggressive. I was really sad about it because I had heard they made good roos. But not that one. I rehomed him at 3 weeks to someone who had a brooder.

There's a distinct difference between curiosity and human aggression. Curiosity is fine, they'll grow out of that, but I have no patience with aggression. If you're pretty new to chickens, it's fine to wait a while and be sure you know what you're seeing before you rehome.