Shes gone balistic!

[Horsefly]

I have a three month old hen and she was the sweetest thing. I had to handle her alot when she was a chick because she hatched with crooked toes and I would put little boot braces to help them straighten out. So as she grew up the braces didn't help that much and her toes are still crooked but she would always run over to me and want to be held and petted. I named her Boots and she was the sweetest chick(en) I've had. Lately though the last few days she has become attack chicken! She will run after me permit at my boots and pants, if I try and pick her up she will grab onto my sleaves and not let go. When she is bad I imediately pick her up and hold her beak shut. And if she keeps chasing me I will kick her away but I don't want to hurt her. What has gotten into her and will she be my sweet little chicken again? I have noticed her voice is changing so could it just be hormones?

 

[sonjab314]

Could it be a roo?

 

[hannakat]

Sure sounds like cock-a-doo behaviour.

 

[Martin Grove Farm]

Sounds like it could be a roo!

 

[Pinky]

Quote:
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[HorseFeatherz NV]

She could also be your dominant pullet (hen to be). Pecking at shoes and pants - I do not take offense with and do not correct for - they are curious and have no way to "figure things out" without beaking them. Generally they out-grow it in a month or so.


I have had to deal with this every once in a while. The last time was with a Silver Laced cockerel - he went thru a "don't touch me or I will bite" phase. All I did, was grab his face or around his neck when he bit and held him. I do not believe in kicking or hitting them - but will grab them around the neck. It took a couple weeks and he went back to his sweet self.


But a picture - with a side view would be good and then we can play the pullet or cockerel game

 

[sourland]

Your hen soounds like a rooster.

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

When my hens get aggressive with me I treat them the same as I do the rooster. Haze them a little until they step off.

I don't hassle them over the occasional peck while collecting eggs from under them. Just when they display right in front of me.

 

[Horsefly]

Wow I just remembered I had posted this. I got busy and just forgot. There is no way she is a rooster, definately hen. I can take some pictures of her tomorrow anyway because I like to share pictures of my pretty little bird

. So should I just ignore the behavior? Every time I try and pick her up or reach around her she bites my hands and has broke the skin a few times. That's not the moat pleasant thing to worry about when I want to get something from besides her. Thanks, I won't forget about this thread again

 

[sourland]

If you continue to allow the behavior, it won't stop and may even escalate. Convince her that you are in charge. She views you as an equal flockmate and is treating you as she would another hen. You can choose the method of asserting your dominance.