She turned on me 😩

[MommA2K]

I can’t believe I’m having to type this, one of my girls just came at me, twice. She had done the same thing a few days ago, but I chalked it up to her trying to grab the treat out of my hand. Today I was standing in the coop tossing scratch out in their run.

I don’t know if this matters, but I was actually wearing the same pants during both cases, the pants are capris so my ankles/lower legs are exposed.

The only changes have been the weather and I’m not spending my entire day outside with them. I have three 30 week old Speckled Sussex. The one that pecked me is the largest and before the shorter days she was the only one laying, but has stopped with the shorter days.

What do I do?! Help!! I know to stand my ground, tried that and got attacked again. Just keep at it?

photo of “injury”

 

[Folly's place]

I don't hand feed at all! I call the birds and toss treats on the ground instead. I think that hand feeding promotes hand pecking and biting, so avoid it.
I am the giant who brings food, not a flock member!
Mary

 

[Kazzandra]

Really amazed to see this isn't behaviour more of you all to have experienced. I've had lots of dominant hens like this.
This behaviour is not mean behaviour from the description I'm reading.

Every day I have a cochin hen that I named Bitty (for this behaviour, actually) who will peck to groom, to get my attention, and to 'grab' at things when she's excited to see me or treats. It might seem mean and it can draw bruises but the beak is the only 'fingers' a chicken has, just like with a parrot.

The only way to get the behaviour to stop, in my experience, is to reroute the behaviour as much as possible (identifying when they feel they have to use this to get you to care and removing those situations) and to indeed, do something they don't like in return-- though something gentle. In my case, I usually pick up Bitty and she fusses at me for it and then I put her down.

Keeping at that she has *mostly* stopped this behaviour, but still sometimes she has an oops moment.

Almost all of my chickens will peck through my hair if I'm sitting with them, and sometimes oops hit my flesh. They love to groom me just as they'd groom themselves.

Remember, this is not 'betrayal' to a chicken. This is how they touch and socialize. This is most likely not mean or even trying to dominate you.

 

[Folly's place]

One of my pullets this year is entirely too bold, and has pecked my boots several times. This week she grabbed a mouthful of jeans, and that's the entirely too much too! We had a firm chat, and since then I've been very proactive in pecking her first, and generally moving her out of my space. She's better, and it's going to be an ongoing story for a while.
My bird didn't actually attack, as feathers raised and ugly attitude, more of a overly pushy 'gimmie' behavior.
Agree that pictures of your bird, and diet, and do you hand feed?
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Wear boots and jeans!
Look up @Beekissed and @BantyChooks articles about managing difficult roosters too. Get her to respect your space out there!
Mary

 

[Rachnicko]

She is lovely... or at least she looks it!!

I think you’re right to stand your ground. The only thing I can think if you’ve been spending a lot of time with them, then maybe she sees you as part of the flock and she’s trying to dominate you. I could be wrong though, and it would be more cockerel-like behaviour, but I can’t see any other reason.

If I was you, I would ‘peck’ back with my fingers when she does it, or pick her up and carry her around for a while.

I had an issue with a cockerel a while ago and someone recommended pinning them down on the ground for a while if he lashed out, or I suppose you could try that too, depending how she is, and how comfortable you feel.

Maybe the start is don’t show her your ankles that’s just a joke. But I hope you combat it with her.

 

[MommA2K]

Thank you, undoubtedly a beautiful hen.

ETA: And in you video she is talking quite friendly to you, no threats or nasty screeching at all.

Thank you. I’m thankful she can’t repeat what I said earlier this afternoon

 

[MommA2K]

She is lovely... or at least she looks it!!

I think you’re right to stand your ground. The only thing I can think if you’ve been spending a lot of time with them, then maybe she sees you as part of the flock and she’s trying to dominate you. I could be wrong though, and it would be more cockerel-like behaviour, but I can’t see any other reason.

If I was you, I would ‘peck’ back with my fingers when she does it, or pick her up and carry her around for a while.

I had an issue with a cockerel a while ago and someone recommended pinning them down on the ground for a while if he lashed out, or I suppose you could try that too, depending how she is, and how comfortable you feel.

Maybe the start is don’t show her your ankles that’s just a joke. But I hope you combat it with her.

Wishing I wouldn’t have shaved my legs this morning Thank you for all your suggestions! I really do love them and hope to continue enjoying spending time with them rather than approach with fear.

 

[LMRAT]

We have two Speckled Sussex and one of them (Meanie) is a serious attack hen. I wouldn't dare go in in shorts and she can take a hard nip through jeans. Her sister (Sweetie) never attacks. I feel your pain.

 

[LaFleche]

I can, is there anything in particular that I should get?

Yes, the head with clear sight of her comb and wattles, the neck and the back, picture taken from above.