We have 8 hens that are now 20 weeks old. We got our first egg 2 days ago (not sure if that's relevant). I have no idea who laid the egg. Starting on the day that we got our first egg, every time we go in the run one of our RIR's charges at us. Is this some sort of way of protecting the eggs? She has never done this before and we have had them since there were 2 days old. I am assuming if she was really a he we would know by now as we knew or BO was a he a long time ago (he has since moved to a new home). Any ideas on why she would suddenly be aggressive towards us??
Perhaps she is just proud to see you? Then again if she just began laying her stomach may be thinking that her esophagus has been severed. IOW it could be hungry behavior.
If it were me I'd "stand my ground"...have a few treats in your pocket and offer her one. If she tries to get really really aggressive still stand your ground and take the palm of your hand and push her back a little. You have to let her know that YOU are the dominant one, not her. It could very well be that she's the one who laid the egg and her hormones are all whack-a-doo ... chickens ... go figure....!!
Might not hurt to share a picture of her - just in case. After all, there is much less effort to be put into rehabbing a nasty roo than a hen - at least there is for me as I have more to get out of working with her than I do with him.
Thanks everyone. Ol' Grey Mare - we have 3 RIR's so I unless she does it when I have the camera with me I don't know which one is which. We will have to just have to see if her behavior changes. Really hope it does!!!!