Thinking like a chicken

[Bramsmom]

I am new to chickens and am looking for some advice. I have 12 hens..2 are 8 mo old and the rest are 5 mo. The two oldest are B.O and share being the boss. They are not mean, but do run a tight ship. One is not dominate over the other...they never challenge each other to be the head hen. They were my first chickens...Big and Little. They have never given me one problem. Today Big and Little ganged up on me...(I think) Big was following me around as I changed their water, and was throwing them some scratch, which is odd. Normally, they eat their scratch and totally ignore me as I do my thing. I'm in the pen when out of the blue Big and Little joined together and the next thing I know they were trying to run up my leg. I didn't run, but I did bend down and clap my hands loud to distract them, which it did not. Little ran right in front of me and tried to peck my boot and stood tall in front of me. Then all of the chickens came running....I felt like I was in a Steven King movie.

I have never hand fed any of them, but I do throw them scratch and veggies. I don't pet my chickens, or treat them like pets...tho I do talk to them. I've tried not to cross any bird boundary, but obviously, I've missed something....

ANY tip, tricks or corrections on my chicken raising are much appreciated. I don't want to create a flock of crazy attack birds by ignoring something that I can correct now. I am a dog person...chickens don't respond to NO with a finger pointed at them. (Atleast mine didn't)

 

[laughing man]

show em boss, and school them

 

[mythkat]

They know you are the Bringer Of Treats. That makes you a god in their world. You will be worshipped and they will compete for your favors in any way they can, running up your leg to perch on your head or pecking your toes, "See me, see me." It is rather disconcerting to see the whole flock of little velociraptors running straight for you, heads down and tails straight out, heck bent for leather.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

Sure you haven't got a young rooster or two?

 

[Bramsmom]

Nope...they are hens. These two are the only ones laying. So...how do you stop the madness? I have read you "pinch a wing" or poke them in the side. Does that work?

 

[teach1rusl]

I've "pecked" my birds before with a sharp "No!" They use pecking to dominate others, so use it yourself. I use index/middle finger combined and give a brisk peck to the back or back of the head/neck area...

 

[TroutsChicks]

time for a hang upside down to calm them down, grab them by the ankles and hang them upside down until limp and then bring them up and hold them close and stroke comb and wattles. It worked for me! y fav chicken also calmed down after starting to lay.

 

[hispoptart]

Quote:
They are excited to see you because you bring treats. They are not trying to harm you or attack you. Mine are always up under my feet when I go outside, they know I have treats ( or at least think I do ) and are eager to get them. I am flattered by the attention they give me. Send them to me and I will love the attention from them.

 

[poseygrace]

Mine always run straight toward me (disconcerting indeed!) then stand in front of me and squat. This makes it VERY hard to walk, especially when carrying something (feed, eggs, etc). I am so afraid I am going to squash one, or fall while trying to avoid squashing one!

It doesn't sound like yours were being aggressive, maybe just excited to see you and trying to be the first to get your attention. I wouldn't worry about it unless you feel really threatened or they peck at you and it hurts.