Pullet being aggressive toward Dog

[WingItRanch]

This is a weird one. I have a pullet that I always suspected of being a cockerel (only based on personality). She's been bold since day one. Well, several times I've seen it try to spar with my dog when they're out free ranging. My dog Roman is a very good boy and he just ignores all the chickens but this little brat gets right up in his face and challenges him. Thankfully, he's too focused on snacking on chicken poop to give her any mind.

She reminds me of how it started when my previous cockerel would challenge me before it flat out started attacking me.

Any thoughts? Is she just crazy?

I figured people will also ask for pics of the pullet in question in case I'm wrong about her sex so here you go. She's a little over 17 weeks old.

Bonus pic of my good boy Roman

 

[atomic]

I’m sorry I don’t have any advice but your dog is so precious! What kind is he?

 

[WingItRanch]

I’m sorry I don’t have any advice but your dog is so precious! What kind is he?

He's an Australian Shepherd!

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's a pullet and she sure is being cheeky. Your dog is adorable!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

It happens sometimes. I've got two roosters who hate my dog and love to fight him any chance they get. They honestly should be eaten with how bad they behave but they are too cute.

 

[FrostRanger]

Definitely a girl and a sassy one at that

Unfortunately I don't think anything short of keeping the animals separate from each other will stop her from attacking poor Roman

 

[FattyChickens]

Maybe I'm overthinking it here but personally I would just keep my dog away from my chickens. Dogs are predator animals, and with the behavior from your pullet, he may lash out and end up hurting her.

 

[Altairsky]

I have a psychopath hen that sometimes attacks my hands and ankles like a rabid rooster. She made me bleed on many occasions. She's way worse than my rooster. But she's still adorable. I think she's sometimes aggressive because she's at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[WingItRanch]

Maybe I'm overthinking it here but personally I would just keep my dog away from my chickens. Dogs are predator animals, and with the behavior from your pullet, he may lash out and end up hurting her.

I hear you! I think it's up to the individual. My dog absolutely loves going out to check on the chickens with me. He's an older gentleman and I'd never take that away from him unless I worried he would be harmed. Every dog (just like every chicken) is an individual.

It just turns out I have an attack chicken and a sweet dog.

 

[WingItRanch]

Thanks everyone! I've never had a girl so forward so I'll just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't hurt my pup.

When I would stick my hand in the brooder to give treats, she would try sparring with my hand at only a few weeks old and I'd have to "peck" her with my finger to tell her to behave. She's full of sass!