Top hen biting and challenging me

[Amgill0415]

My girls are now about 17 weeks old and the red-star is 'coming of age'. That being said, she is currently top hen and has started challenging and biting me when I come around. What I can do to stop her coming after me? If I'm sitting she usually fine and comes on my lap for pets. But if im up and walking, she goes after my feet and ankles. The little turd doesn't just give a little peck - im talking beak full of skin with a head twist!

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

See if she gets better after she is mature. For the mean time just wear boots. They protect your ankles and look good at the same time

 

[Folly's place]

Wear shoes or boots and jeans, and PECK HER BACK! Fast as you can, 'peckpeckpeck', hard enough to be irritating. Stop having her on your lap, make her, and all of them, respect your space. You are the giant who brings food, not a flock member to be dominated by this rude nasty pullet. Carry an object, like a feed bucket or stick or something, and happen to bump her out of your way as you walk through the flock.
Production reds, including sex-links and hatchery RIRs, have a reputation as feather pecking little beasts in the flock. Many aren't, but your pullet isn't behaving well right now.
Mary

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

<<For the mean time just wear boots>>

I’m sorry, I really did LOL. What incredible problem solving...simple, elegant. Perfect!