Pecking

[marybeth111]

Hi. New mama here. My ladies are 5 months old now. There are a few of them that constantly peck my legs and cause bruising. I can’t get down to their level anymore or they peck my arms. Honestly, sometimes it hurts. Any thought on why they do this?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You haven't let them know it's inappropriate. I'd carry something to block them as they approach, maybe a soft broom. They are sexually maturing, so their behaviors are becoming more forward. A submissive bird move off when pecked. My guess is they are trying to show dominance.

 

[marybeth111]

You haven't let them know it's inappropriate. I'd carry something to block them as they approach, maybe a soft broom. They are sexually maturing, so their behaviors are becoming more forward. A submissive bird move off when pecked. My guess is they are trying to show dominance.

Thank you. I will try the broom. Appreciate your feedback

 

[aart]

I can’t get down to their level anymore or they peck my arms.

Gotta move fast and assertively ....and peck them back!

Have had this happen several times, mostly with hand fed chicks often as they come of age and get spunky. It's pretty easily curbed with calm and deliberate determination.

I peck them back, on the head or anywhere I can reach, with the tips of thumb and first 2 fingers, as hard and fast as many times as I can before they get away. Well, not hard enough to hurt them, just startle them and let them you mean business. That's what another chicken would do, so they understand that kind of communication.

If that doesn't work after a couple applications, I hold them down to the ground with my hand on their back until they submit....again firmly enough to get the job done but not hurt them....add a few finger pecks and/or tug on the feathers on the back of their neck.

 

[marybeth111]

Thank you. I will try that today. I have been shoving them away, but that doesn’t work. Appreciate you taking the time to explain this.

 

[aart]

I have been shoving them away, but that doesn’t work.

Nope, you need to pop them in the head real good, just like they do to each other.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I only had one really friendly bird. She didn't peck me but she followed me around constantly. One day I tripped on her, and stepped on her feet. After that she stayed back more. I use the broom or a net because I can't bend over quickly enough.