What does it mean?

[Chickie-chan]

So, today my leghorn started acting differently. Before, she would never really peck us on purpose, unless she was curious about something, but this morning she pecked on purpose. I was scooting her towards the coop to encourage her to wander that way so I could put her inside (I live in the city) and that's when she started pecking me. Could that be it? Also, before, whenever we wanted her to jump onto our arms we tap our arms and call her name, encouraging her to come and jump on us but since it got colder and the ground is all muddy we did it less and less. Could that be another reason? When she is actually on my shoulder she will grab my hair in her beak and give it a tug. I'm really worried because we got along really well until today and I don't want to have her always act like this. She's always been friendly. I'm sorry if this is a jumble and doesn't make sense.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

I wouldn't be so concerned. They use their beaks and are very curious. You just have to decide your comfort level w/ them.

My girls peck at me but it doesn't feel vicious. It's more curious like, are there more seeds over here, what about back here? If I squat down, they do go behind me and peck at me. I don't know why. This time of the year it's no big deal because I usually have on a big fleece. But in the summer, they might get bare skin and that can smart.

I also have one who loves to peck at my hair. I don't know why but she nips at it like she's trying to fix it. And every once in a while, she pecks me in the head. I don't think she really means harm.

They just use their beak to explore and investigate since they don't have hands.

 

[Chickie-chan]

This is really helpful but I'm still worried. Yesterday I was gathering the eggs and she pecked at me and the eggs really hard. And when she's getting my hair it feels more like a tug than nipping. Do you think it is still nothing to worry about? Thanks for the experience!

 

[cary 1973]

my girs peck me also if there in there nest with there eggs so I just stay away when in nesting boxes. they also let me know there annoyed such as last night trying to get phoenix to go in the coop at 9pm she did not want to go so i bent down and like pushing her in and turned around and was pecking me to let me know she was not happy. So I think you need to look at the situation when she is pecking you is it she is annoyed or tryign to get her point acress or inspecting somthign out. I would only worry if she is coming at you and attacking you.

 

[Chickie-chan]

This is really great! Thanks guys!!