Pecking the hand that feeds...

[Yay Chicks!]

So, lately my 21+ week old BR has been doing the vertical leap as I enter the coop with a bowl and pecking me. A few days ago, she broke skin on the back of my hand and today she drew blood on my finger. Now, given they are pretty competitive about treats, and sometimes treats come in a bowl (this time it was just oyster shell) I pretty much know her motivation, but while the others crowd around, she is the only one with this behavior...and it is very new...hmmm...since she has been laying I think. Anyway, I put my hand on her back right away and she squatted down. Any way to break this behavior? It's rather unnerving to have this pretty good sized bird jumping straight up to take a bite out of me.

 

[ducks4you]

Sounds like a "Mowgli"--tasted blood, ya know? I take my foot and shovel my MEAN RIR hens out of the way when they're acting frisky. They KNOW that "Rose", the evil (50 pound) wolf is waiting if they get to be too "raptor-like."

 

[GoldenCometLady]

I hope this gentle approach works for you. I had one young hen that
was bad about biting and pecking at me. I didnt have to have a treat.
I ended up bopping her on the head with the plastic butter tub I almost
always have in my hand. Not really hard but enough she knew I would
not stand for that any more. It worked.

 

[featherbaby]

I have a silkie roo that guards his harem zealously.....even from me. Whenever I open the coop he comes over to peck me as hard as he can. It's not as painful as it is annoying. I have partly solved the problem by being proactive and beating him to the punch (or bite). I open the door and immediately reach in and pick him up, tuck him under my arm and continue to service the coop and the others. (It's amazing what you can get done with one hand). Once he's securely held, he settles down like a little lamb and gives me no trouble. Now that I've been doing that for several months, he's come to expect it and the pecking is no longer an issue. I have no idea if it would work on other breeds who are by nature, less calm, but it might be worth a try.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I would treat her the same way i would a rooster who's doing that; i would snatch her up under my arm and hold that beak closed. I also wouldn't hesitate to give her a good "peck" on the head with my finger. She needs to know that you're the boss.

 

[gryeyes]

I do use a forefinger to "peck" unruly chickens. It appears to be something they understand. Thunk 'em on the head just as if any other chicken would peck 'em.

 

[elizabethlongwood]

I have a pullet who bites and pecks at me too. I'll try thumping her on the head to see if she stops. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm a little scared of her, she seems to have a real mean streak!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Well, there obviously seems to be a few aggressive chickens out there. I appreciate the various techniques!