Rhode Island Red

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

i have noticed when hanging out with my girls if I’m petting or paying attention to one hen in front of me, another one will walk behind me and softly peck at my shirt and get harder till I pay her attention. Is this wanting attention or is this a different behavior? I would like to know is I can address the issue properly. They all love to come sit on my knee and if one is already there they will walk behind and then peck my pants or shirt. Just curious.

 

[townchicks]

I assume from your title that this is a RIR doing this. I am also curious to see the answer, if there is one, as my RIR does this also. She actually attacked one of my EEs when the EE was on my lap, even though she is very submissive to the EE when they are both on the ground. Jealous?

 

[TheTwoRoos]

My Rhode island red does this to,she does often when I’m standing there she will come up to me and peck at my legs.Thought it was her looking for things but I’m beginning to think otherwise.Maybe it’s a social thing.

 

[SueT]

My Rhode Island Red was the only chicken that ever intentionally pecked me, and would draw blood if she pecked my skin. In my opinion the breed tends to be on the mean side. She was a horrible bully to the other chickens. I won't ever get another.
However, chickens may peck at your clothing or boots out of curiosity. This is something different.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

My rir doesn’t do it aggressively.However, Rhode Island reds are prone to being bullies.

 

[snow5164]

No not bullies, that’s totally misunderstanding the action. They test things with their beaks.. pull or peck everything ,
When you’re giving attention to one the others just want in on the attention, but while they’re waiting they see the freckles on your arm or a fuzz on your shirt . They aren’t ferocious beasts trying to hurt you , they are curious creatures checking to see if they can eat that !!

Please try to read your animals and learn about them , yes they peck each other but my hens the rir, and all the others love me and the man

 

[TheTwoRoos]

No,I didn’t mean their bullying us,their Defiantly flock bullies.You can find many stories on these birds and people having trouble dealing with their aggression towards the flock,I’m a witnessed.Two rirs of mine bullies my entire flock to the point of bleeding and gashes.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm also not a fan of the production reds, and won't have them ever again. I've never had SQ deep dark red RIRs, so maybe they are nicer? Flock bullies, feather pecking little beasts, many of them.
I don't think that it's good policy to have any birds pecking me, my shoes, or clothes. It's too pushy, IMO, and I don't allow it. I'm not a chicken, and I'm not part of the flock pecking order, BUT, when you watch them, it's obvious that higher status birds never get pecked by lower status individuals.
Mary