We have 3 buff orpingtons and they are getting mean. When I let them out of their pen, one hen either runs up and pecks me or chases me as I walk out of the pen and pecks me on the back of the leg. Another one raises her wings and runs at me like she is going to flog me. I can't trust them and not comfortable with the kids doing chores or gathering eggs. What should I do?
If it were me, I think that I would turn around and walk swiftly toward them with my arms out... not to scare them, but to be the bigger chicken. However, I must say that it has not happened to me... Or pick the biggest bully up and carry her around under your arm for awhile. Good luck.
x2 I had to put one of my roos in place this summer. He is my favorite but hormones got the better of him so I chose to keep him. Whe he would run at my and raise his hackles I would charge back just as hard and continue towards him until he backed off and then stalk him around for awhile until he went away. Then I added picking him up and tucking him under my arm (he is a bantam) and walking around with him or sitting down and not letting him go till he settled down. I also brought out special treats and fed him small pieces to makes it last longer and talk softly and calm to him so he could see I bring yummy things and am a calm person.
I think I know what's going on here, the chickens think THEY are in charge when really you should be. Let them know who's boss! Charge back at them, grab the most dominant one and let him/her know that YOU are dominant. Good luck!
Your hens are trying to put you at the bottom of the pecking order. Don't let them, or they'll only get worse. As mentioned above, make yourself big by holding your arms out and flapping them. Holler at them, and walk towards them flapping and force them to run away. Grab them and hold them quite a bit, and hold them still until they stop struggling and fussing. Be The Rooster!
I would try a super soaker first. Kicking could injure them. My chickens are scared if I wear a big hat as I am a "stranger" ...
They seem to get crabby if they break from laying. I had a buff orp get nasty and pecked the crap out of my hand, it was all red. Picked her up and carried her around(watch your face) and shes fine now.
