PLEASE HELP! Aggressive Hen!

[webgrl22]

I have 2 17 week old Black Australorps. I picked up the more dominant one today to take her to her coop. When I put her down she bit me. She's never bit me before and almost seemed like she might even attack me...Chest puffed out and staring me down. Is this normal? Does this have anything to do with her possibly getting ready to lay eggs? When should I expect her to lay eggs?

Thank you,
Christina

 

[Judy]

I imagine she was trying to show you she is the dominant hen. You need to shove her away or tap her beak or otherwise show her YOU are the dominant hen. You don't have to hurt her; it is more about the gesture. Chase her, wave your arms -- give a show of aggression.

My Australorps started laying between 20 and 21 weeks, but they vary. You will see redder combs and wattles, and they will squat then you reach down to touch their backs, when it is nearer time.

 

[Nostalchic]

Or what may work better, at least works well with roosters, is to pick her back up, tuck her under your arm, and carry her around for awhile. It doesn't really hurt when they peck you, or bite, but you need to let her know that she must submit to you, you are the alpha chicken/top dog/pack leader - she needs to change her attitude!

 

[webgrl22]

It actually really did hurt, but I picked her up today and made sure she didnt' peck my eyes out.

 

[fordmommy]

I think both ideas are good ones. You need to show her who's the boss. And yes. I have one chicken that bites once in a while and it that one hurts. But I tap him on the beak and make a high pitched "ouch!" sound. He looks at me as to say "Sorry mom."

Once he did it a second time and I grabbed his beak sturnly. Has never happened again,while I was holding him.

It usually happens only if the flock's excited about something. Most likely Treats.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I had a pullet that bit me once and she held on and refused to let go!...til I thumped her on her head and chased her across the coop. I would treat her like an ornary roo. Pick her up and carry her around. Make sure she knows that YOU are the lead hen.

 

[Jccatcher]

I agree she is testing the waters. Show her who's boss.

 

[webgrl22]

Well, I've hosed her and chased her with a broom. I hope she knows I'm the head chicken!

 

[cmom]

I agree with some of the other posts. I had a bully that would puff up and growl at me. Well I picked her up so she couldn't peck and held her for several minutes before I put her down and I did this many times. She doesn't puff up or growl any more. She squats and lets me pick her up and no squabbles.