Two of my hens are aggressive towards me! I don’t even want to go in the coop now😱

[1truthseeker]

I have roosters, didn’t want any but so far they’re not aggressive towards me. But I have a large white hen and a smaller white hen with black lacing on her neck. They are all very young but those two are aggressive and are kinda scary! I don’t want to go down to the coop but obviously I have to!

 

[Sablehaven]

First off, wear a sturdy jacket and gloves, if they go for the face, cover that too with a bandana or similar.

You might be able to rehabilitate the hens, but the first step is to separate them into a small pen or cage. Dog or cat carrier would work.

I'll post with more, but this is the important bit for now.

And remember, with an aggressive chicken, don't be scared and pin the wings.

 

[Sablehaven]

Now, after they are separate and you can take care of your other birds without fear, you have to choose between attempting rehabilitation or rehoming them to a more experienced home.

If you can control your fear, you can get them to behave, don't worry.

The first thing is to know what they want to achieve by attacking you, most likely they are trying to make you move, because that means they are the dominant ones. So don't move. Don't give ground, and wear gloves and long sleeves to deal with them so you have nothing to fear. And of course make them move, be as firm as necessary, just shove them with your foot or a stick.

Once they respect you and stop attacking, you can try making friends, just don't let them move you : )

You can try pinning them with pressure between their wings like a rooster would, but just temporarily removing them from the flock and giving them absolutely no satisfaction from attacking you should be enough.

They are just a bird, with sharp claws and a decent peck, but still just a bird. Wear some protective gear and be aware, but there is nothing to be afraid of : )

 

[nao57]

Sounds like you got your very own Chicken Hill Autonomous Zone in full revolt.

Don't let them ruin the coop!

 

[Sablehaven]

One last thing, if at all possible keep them separate. They seem to have formed their own little gang and breaking that up will do a LOT to stop the aggression

 

[Elizabethwood09]

Very sound advice here. One other thing I learned that has worked for me is to peck them back! I had one pullet who would peck the backs of my legs if I was taking too long with the food. I just made a little "beak" with my thumb and first two fingers and pecked her back. I would do it somewhere on her chest just hard enough so she knows that you mean business. I had to do that 2 or 3 times but she stays away now. She is not afraid of me necessarily but she knows I am the boss and my timetable rules, not hers.

 

[Flockincrazy]

I have roosters, didn’t want any but so far they’re not aggressive towards me. But I have a large white hen and a smaller white hen with black lacing on her neck. They are all very young but those two are aggressive and are kinda scary! I don’t want to go down to the coop but obviously I have to!

Hold them down for a minute or so chest to the ground it shows them you are in charge

 

[Sablehaven]

Very sound advice here. One other thing I learned that has worked for me is to peck them back! I had one pullet who would peck the backs of my legs if I was taking too long with the food. I just made a little "beak" with my thumb and first two fingers and pecked her back. I would do it somewhere on her chest just hard enough so she knows that you mean business. I had to do that 2 or 3 times but she stays away now. She is not afraid of me necessarily but she knows I am the boss and my timetable rules, not hers.

Good idea, I've never done it with mine, but I've had actually had very few aggression issues. Hand raised orpingtons <3

 

[Chickassan]

Scoop em up!
Don't be afraid of hens, scoop them up rub their feet a little and put them back down.
Hens are silly, this breaks their attention span for whatever reason.
Have fun.

 

[1truthseeker]

Now, after they are separate and you can take care of your other birds without fear, you have to choose between attempting rehabilitation or rehoming them to a more experienced home.

If you can control your fear, you can get them to behave, don't worry.

The first thing is to know what they want to achieve by attacking you, most likely they are trying to make you move, because that means they are the dominant ones. So don't move. Don't give ground, and wear gloves and long sleeves to deal with them so you have nothing to fear. And of course make them move, be as firm as necessary, just shove them with your foot or a stick.

Once they respect you and stop attacking, you can try making friends, just don't let them move you : )

You can try pinning them with pressure between their wings like a rooster would, but just temporarily removing them from the flock and giving them absolutely no satisfaction from attacking you should be enough.

They are just a bird, with sharp claws and a decent peck, but still just a bird. Wear some protective gear and be aware, but there is nothing to be afraid of : )